ATLANTA – Georgia’s utility companies are taking advantage of a new state law by pouring tens of thousands of dollars into political campaigns.
The new law allows the firms to donate directly to candidates.
Campaign finance data reviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that elected officials have received more than $190,000 in donations from regulated utilities since the law took effect in May.
For decades, such contributions had been banned in Georgia.
Government watchdog groups opposed lifting the contribution ban, saying it protected the public by limiting the ability of utilities to influence lawmakers who hold sway over utility rates and other matters affecting consumers.