Georgia Public Service Commission’s Echols wins second term

The Georgia Public Service Commission’s Tim Echols won a second six-year term as commissioner, pledging to keep electric rates low and to continue supporting renewable energy development throughout the state.

Echols’ second term on the commission will begin Jan. 1, 2017.

“I want to continue to keep rates low. That is my top priority,” Echols said. “That includes easier ways to pay, and special programs that allow people to reduce their monthly bill. Our rates are among the lowest in the nation.”

Echols added that he wants to continue adding renewable energy to the grid. The commission recently added 1.6 gigawatts of renewables to be procured in 2017-2020, he noted.

Echols also will focus on a long-term plan for recycling millions of solar panels through the state to ensure they do not end up in landfills at the end of their useful life.

He also has emphasized the need for a diverse fuel mix for energy in case of market volatility or unwanted regulation.

“I want to keep our energy portfolio diverse so that if gas lines become constrained, or fracking is somehow further regulated, Georgia has the energy we need,” Echols said. “That is why we are building carbon-free nuclear reactors that work hand-in-hand with renewables.”

Echols serves as the telecom chair for the Georgia PSC both in Atlanta and for the National Association of Regulated Utility Commissioners.

Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton said, “Tim is a hard-working commissioner who serves the people of Georgia well.”