Low and Affordable Rates. Keeping our utility rates low is important for the Georgia economy, but it is especially important to Georgia's citizens. Many Georgians today are being faced with making quality of life decisions between paying their utility bill or buying groceries. Coupled with the rising price of gas, this puts an unacceptable strain on Georgia families.

Consumer Advocate. I intend to serve as the consumers' representative on the Commission and to keep consumers' interests a top priority when considering rate cases. I understand that the State's utilities are in business to make a profit for their shareholders, but we need to have balance between the rates charged by the utilities and what is fair for the citizens of Georgia.

Fuel Source Diversity. I plan to interest the State's utilities in diversifying the fuel sources they use to generate electricity. We need to be more mindful about how we use fossil fuels. New technologies will enable us to more prudently use fossil fuels in the future. Focusing more on using renewable energy sources produced in Georgia creates jobs and keeps dollars in the State.

Energy Efficiency. Georgia needs to pay more attention to energy efficiency. For many years, we have been blessed with good quality, inexpensive electricity. However, as our population increases and the demand for electricity increases we are faced with the prospect of adding increased generation capacity. Some folks advocate that energy efficiency could serve as a replacement for the new power plant. The Commission needs to take a hard look at the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency and begin implementing the recommendations along with a number of energy related Best Practices.

Experience. I could be the most experienced candidate in years to vie for a PSC Commissioner post. Most PSC Commissioners come from the General Assembly or County Commissions. I am former senior official with U.S. Department of Energy with more than 20 years in federal energy policy and programs. My reputation as a consensus builder is legendary. I am known for bringing people with different perspectives together and getting them to reach a consensus and develop a path forward. I plan on using my experience to work in partnership with my fellow Commissioners and to advance the mission of the PSC.