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Jason Shaw, Georgia PSC Chairman, Faces Scrutiny Over Business Ties and Potential Conflicts of Interest –  Part 10

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LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is the tenth in a series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County.  The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials.

 By Carol A. Gasser Moore |

LANIER COUNTY, Georgia – As Georgia’s Public Service Commission (PSC) deliberates on pivotal decisions affecting the state’s energy landscape, Chairman Jason Shaw’s extensive business affiliations and recent actions have come under increased scrutiny, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

PSC Chairman Jason Shaw

A Political Journey Rooted in South Georgia

Jason Shaw, a native of Lakeland in Lanier County, began his political career representing District 176 in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2018.In January 2019, Governor Nathan Deal appointed him to the PSC, where he was subsequently elected statewide in 2020.Shaw currently serves as the PSC Chairman, overseeing regulations for electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services in Georgia.

Extensive Business Ventures Across Multiple Sectors

Beyond his public service, Shaw has been involved in various business ventures spanning real estate, insurance, agriculture, energy, and broadcasting.He is the owner of Shaw Insurance Services Inc. and a founder of Georgia Olive Farms Inc., both based in Lakeland.

His business affiliations include:

  • Real Estate and Development: Jay Shaw Co Inc., Jay Shaw Realty LLC, Camilla Ltd LLLP, Pelham Elderly Ltd (LLLP).
  • Insurance and Financial Services: Shaw Insurance Services Inc., Agency Partners Inc., Partners Benefit Group LLC.
  • Agriculture and Energy: Georgia Olive Farms, Sustainable Endeavors LLC, First American Energy LLC.
  • Broadcasting: Lakeside Broadcasting Inc.

Additionally, Shaw is a licensed insurance agent and realtor, with a UCC filing (8613000450) in Georgia.

Complaint Filed Alleging Conflict of Interest

On June 10, 2025, four advocacy groups—Georgians for Affordable Energy, Georgia Conservation Voters, Center for a Sustainable Coast, and Georgia Women’s Action for New Directions—filed a formal complaint with the PSC.The complaint alleges that Shaw, along with Commissioners Lauren “Bubba” McDonald and Tim Echols, violated state rules by publicly endorsing a proposed agreement to freeze Georgia Power’s base electric rates for three years before an official hearing.

At a May 21 press conference alongside Governor Brian Kemp, Shaw praised the rate freeze agreement as a “very big deal for our state” and “good for Georgians.”The advocacy groups argue that such comments demonstrate prejudgment and compromise the commissioners’ impartiality, violating state regulations that require commissioners to reserve opinions until after formal hearings.

Calls for Recusal and Transparency

The complaint urges the three commissioners to recuse themselves from the upcoming vote on the rate freeze proposal, scheduled for July 1, 2025.It also recommends that the PSC either deny the proposed agreement or appoint an independent hearing officer to oversee the proceedings.

Patty Durand, founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy, criticized the rate freeze, stating it locks in high profits for Georgia Power while preventing a thorough review of the utility’s financial practices.She emphasized the need for a standard rate case proceeding to ensure transparency and accountability.

Implications for Public Trust

Shaw’s extensive business interests, particularly in sectors regulated by the PSC, combined with his public endorsement of the rate freeze agreement, have intensified concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Advocacy groups and watchdog organizations stress the importance of transparency and impartiality in regulatory decisions to maintain public trust.

As the PSC prepares for the upcoming vote, the situation underscores the delicate balance between public service and private interests, highlighting the need for clear ethical guidelines and accountability measures within regulatory bodies.

Sources:

For more information on the Georgia Public Service Commission and its members, visit the official PSC website: psc.ga.gov.

 

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Posted in Breaking News, Government for its Citizens

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