Lauren "Bubba" McDonald is the Commissioner of the Georgia Public Service Commission. If you live in Georgia, he's has more to do with your electric bill than anyone else, save the kids who won't turn out the lights when they leave the room.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. McDonald, along with Mr. Steve Valk who heads the local chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby. Steve arranged the meeting after reading of the Commissioner's increasingly encouraging comments on alternative energy. Boardwalk's recent signing of the Global Investor Statement on Climate Change, meant that I could bring the sustainable investor perspective to the conversation.
In summary, the Commissioner was receptive to a variety of opinions, and sees solar playing a larger and larger role in Georgia's energy future. He acknowledged that it is a fast growing industry, not just in his state, but across the country. And while he's not one for "mandates", he says that he "was elected to take action." And sometimes that includes mandates (on power purchases from alternative sources.)
We expect to continue the conversation. In fact, he even invited us to visit him at his "home office" in the North Georgia mountains.
You need not ask me twice, Mr. Commissioner. See you again soon.
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