ACT Expo 2017

Tim Echols
Commissioner
Georgia Public Service Commission


Tim Echols, after building a national non-profit organization, ran for and was elected to statewide office in 2010, serving as public service commissioner. His primary job is energy regulation. When Echols took office, Georgia was 34th in solar power. Now, six years later the state is fourth in the nation in approved solar. Echols' commitment to promoting clean energy has resulted in not only millions of solar panels being installed in Georgia, but has resulted in more electric vehicles as well. The state is second in the nation in electric vehicles--only behind California. Echols created the Clean Energy Roadshow that has traveled the state every summer for the last six years. This educational event travels to cities around the state helping commuters, businesses and municipal governments evaluate alternative fuel for their transportation and residential use. Echols has tried to lead by example. He added solar hot water heating to his Athens home just before being sworn-in. He bought a natural gas car, a propane van and owns two electric cars. He also led the effort to provide the Salvation Army and two other agencies with $5 million to help low income seniors in Atlanta with heating assistance. Recognizing that ultimately his job is about helping plan Georgia's energy future, Echols has supported and approved new carbon-free nuclear energy sources for Georgia that will provide baseload power for generations. He supports recycling the nuclear waste and using the remaining energy resident in those fuel rods as the most sustainable course of action for the state and nation. Echols has represented the United States at the World Nuclear Exhibition for the last four years.

Sessions :