The regulatory authority over utilities is held by which of the following?

The regulatory authority over utilities in Georgia is vested in the Public Service Commission (PSC). This commission is responsible for overseeing public utilities, including electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water services. The PSC ensures that these utilities operate fairly, efficiently, and in the best interest of the public while also safeguarding consumer rights.

One of the key functions of the PSC is to establish rates charged by utility companies, ensuring that they are just and reasonable. Additionally, the commission handles issues related to service quality, consumer complaints, and industry practices, giving it critical oversight in maintaining regulatory compliance within the utility sector.

In contrast, the Department of Energy focuses more broadly on energy policy and research, while the State Legislature creates laws but does not directly regulate utilities. The Environmental Protection Agency deals primarily with environmental regulations rather than utility oversight. Therefore, the Public Service Commission is the entity specifically tasked with utility regulation in Georgia.