We need policy change NOW to protect people and the planet

Georgia’s environment needs champions at the state capitol to advance climate solutions that can help us keep megatons of carbon out of the atmosphere. But these solutions won’t become policy without dedicated legislators and environmental organizations working together relentlessly to make them a reality.

That’s why GCV works with a network of partners and the state’s top environmental legislators to help keep you informed about bills that impact our air, water, and land. We help legislators and voters like you easily find and support bills for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

2026 Legislative Session 

GCV was honored to host a briefing for the House Democratic Caucus to discuss the urgent need for utility consumer protections. Joined by our partner Carina Barnett-Loro of Climate Cabinet, we provided the Caucus with a deep dive into the legislative landscape surrounding Georgia’s energy future.

Our discussion focused on the critical evolution of HB 1063 (which they passed earlier in the session) and SB 34. While these bills started with the goal of protecting families from data center-driven rate hikes, we highlighted how recent amendments have “gutted” those original protections—specifically by attaching weakened language to SB 410.

We also championed SB 94, a vital bill that would reestablish a Consumer Utility Counsel (CUC). Georgians deserve a dedicated advocate to fight for fair rates and transparency at the Public Service Commission. We are incredibly grateful for Climate Cabinet’s generous support in helping us bring these essential insights to our elected leaders.

Legislative Update: Data Center “Consumer Protection” Bills

There are several bills moving through the General Assembly right now that claim to provide “consumer protections” from higher electric bills tied to the rapid expansion of data centers in Georgia.

Here’s the short version:
None of the bills currently moving fully protect residential ratepayers or small businesses from being forced to pay for the massive power infrastructure needed for these facilities.

Some proposals simply maintain the status quo, while others create the appearance of action without actually preventing utilities from shifting costs onto everyday Georgians.

And right now, there are bills, substitutes, and amendments moving quickly, making the situation confusing even for people closely following the process.

Here’s where things stand as of March 4, 2026:

SB 34
This bill is currently stuck in the Senate Rules Committee. Unfortunately, the version moving forward is the weakened version, which mirrors HB 1063.That language essentially codifies current Public Service Commission rules, but does not actually protect residential ratepayers or small businesses from paying for speculative data center power buildouts.

HB 1063
Often described as the “status quo” bill, HB 1063 simply writes the current PSC rules into law. Those rules require large-load customers like data centers to pay their incremental costs, but only under limited circumstances. In practice, that means many infrastructure costs could still end up being spread across all ratepayers if the generation is not directly tied to a large-load customer. This bill has already crossed over into the Senate.

SB 410
SB 410 originally focused on eliminating tax incentives for data centers, which is a policy conversation worth having on its own. However, on Monday (March 3) the Senate Finance Committee added the weakened language from SB 34 to the bill. That amendment turns SB 410 into another bill that gives the appearance of addressing ratepayer protections without actually guaranteeing them.

During the committee hearing, the bill’s sponsor (Sen. Matt Brass) stated that protecting ratepayers was the “intent” of the bill. But intent is not law. Legally binding protections must be written into the legislation itself.

The Bottom Line

Right now, none of the bills moving through the legislature guarantees that Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission cannot shift the cost of new power plants and infrastructure onto residential customers and small businesses.

That’s the core issue. Georgia lawmakers should pass a bill that establishes a clear and simple rule: Residential customers and small businesses should not be required to pay for the power infrastructure needed to serve large data centers.

Without that protection written into law, Georgians could still end up subsidizing the energy demands of some of the largest corporations in the world.

What Happens Next

Advocacy efforts are making a difference, and legislators are feeling the pressure. Organizations across the state are continuing to push for real protections that ensure Georgians are not paying for the energy demands of large tech companies.

The message is simple: Protect Georgians — not Georgia Power.

You can also help to defeat these bad muddy water bills – learn more here from our friends at Protect Georgia.

Take Action Here

We’re closely tracking key bills that could impact our communities and environment, and we are here to keep you updated. Throughout the session, we’ll provide valuable resources to help you understand the issues, follow the progress of important legislation, and take meaningful action when it matters most.

Here are some ways we will be providing you resources this legislative session:

1. Take Action: See our Action Alerts here.

2. Two-Minute Tuesdays is a series of bite-sized videos available on Youtube and other socials that break down the legislative session, why it matters, and how laws are made. We’ll simplify complex bills, explain the roles of legislators, committees, and lobbyists, give you a behind-the-scenes look at a typical legislative day, and more!

3. Stay connected. Follow us on all our social channels (listed below) including our info-packed podcast for real-time updates, important bill highlights, action alerts, and in-depth issue analysis.

4. Keep informed by signing up for our monthly newsletters featuring bill updates, action alerts, and events.