PSC candidates prepare for runoff, to face off in debate

Update: The candidates are scheduled to debate Wednesday on WABE’s Closer Look with Rose Scott.

Two candidates for the District 3 Georgia Public Service Commission seat will face-off in a debate Tuesday, as Georgians begin early voting for two other state races that remain undecided since the Nov. 6 general election.

Republican Chuck Eaton, who has served on the commission for two consecutive terms, and businesswoman Lindy Miller, will participate in the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk Young debate at the Georgia Public Broadcasting studios.

Early voting began this week and ends Friday while the runoff will he held on Dec.4.

The two candidates qualified for the runoff as neither of them secured the 50-plus percent vote required by state law to win the election.

Both candidates have differed over the commission’s oversight of the construction of the nation’s only new nuclear plant, Vogtle 3 and 4, which has been a key issue in the PSC race.

Miller contends the commission has not fought for Georgia ratepayers over the mismanagement of the Vogtle construction, while Eaton, a staunch supporter of the project, says commission members have balanced the needs of Georgians and business.

The project, financed by Georgia ratepayers, has been rife with delays and billions in cost overruns.

The PSC is a state body that is comprised of five regulators elected statewide and who serve staggered six-year terms. They decide what rates Georgia electric and natural gas customers pay for their bills. They also approve the state’s long-term energy plans.