Voters in the July 15 primaries can choose among six candidates for two spots on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Two Democrats and two Republicans are vying for the vacant District 4 seat, and the District 1 incumbent faces one challenger.

Commissioners are elected statewide and serve six-year terms. They make $116,452 a year.

Opponents will square off today at Georgia Public Broadcasting's headquarters as part of 10 state primary debates sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club. All are open to the public. The PSC debates will be streamed live at gpb.com.

Here's a rundown of the candidates as well as their responses to what they think about Georgia's energy future.

PRIMER ON LOW-PROFILE AGENCY

What is the PSC?

A five-member panel that oversees electric and natural gas utilities as well as the telephone companies and some transportation companies that operate in Georgia. Those firms include Georgia Power, AGL Resources and AT&T.

What does it do?

Sets rates that customers pay on their monthly utility bills, with some exceptions. Natural gas marketers' prices do not require approval but may be investigated for fairness. Also, certain telecom services such as cable television, high-speed Internet and cellphone rates are not regulated by the PSC. When determining rates, commissioners are supposed to weigh fairness to consumers and companies' return on investment.

Upcoming major decisions

A vote next year on Georgia Power's request to build two additional nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle, and a decision in 2010 on Atlanta Gas Light's anticipated rate hike request.

PSC DISTRICT 1

Republican primary

Rick Collum

Age: 38

Home: Moultrie

Occupation: Attorney

"We have to use all of the means that are feasible but that work for the environment. We have to use what we have that is financially feasible. Biomass [wood chips, chicken feed and other agricultural by-products] does a great deal for everyone, including the farmers of South Georgia. Biomass is not going to be able to sustain our energy needs, but it can optimize energy up to 10 percent."

Doug Everett (Incumbent)

Age: 70

Home: Albany

"Coal is a good fuel, in my opinion. However the carbon footprint is much greater on it than anything else, and the cost is going sky high. With the new technologies coming out everyday on coal, it's getting cleaner. I'm trying to be pro-nuclear. It is the cleanest, the safest, the cheapest and the most reliable form of electricity that we have."

Democratic primary

No candidates

PSC DISTRICT 4

Republican primary

Pam Davidson

Age: 44

Home: Blue Ridge

Occupation: Renewable-energy consultant

"I am very concerned about the cost of energy going up very soon. We have to implement some demand-side management [more efficient production]. It's as simple as that."

Lauren McDonald Jr.

Age: 69

Home: Clarkesville

Occupation: Businessman and former Public Service commissioner

"I am very pro-nuclear. We've got to get that started. It's the cleanest energy source that we have that's affordable and operational in our state. I am appreciative of renewables whether it's wind or biofuel or solar, but we are not in an area that suggests that they are reliable. And the cost for what you look at per kilowatt basis, they are not competitive."

Democratic primary

Bob Indech

Age: 53

Home: Norcross

Occupation: Engineer

"We have to try and promote some alternative energies, primarily wind power. It is a very good source for Georgia, particularly in the south where it's windy. I don't see any good long-term plans, any good long-term movements to actually ameliorate our fossil-fuel dependence."

Jim Powell

Age: 59

Home: Hiawassee

Occupation: Retired from the U.S. Department of Energy's Atlanta regional office.

"I honestly believe that all of the fuel options should be on the table. I'm an advocate for renewables —- that's kind of what I did for a living. There's an opportunity to put more renewables into the mix as well as energy efficiency."