November, 2011
Six years ago I ran for re-election to the Public Service Commission on a conservative record of keeping utility rates affordable while improving reliability. I pledged to further that record in this current term by advancing investment in our energy infrastructure and facilitating a robust telecommunications market that would lead to more choices and better pricing. I have kept my promises. Fighting back extremists in the environmental lobby, I advanced a funding mechanism that will soon result in the first license issued for a new nuclear reactor in this country in over thirty years, while also saving ratepayers over $300 million in interest. I supported a $200 million overhaul of the backbone of our natural gas infrastructure to make sure our delivery system will meet demand for decades to come. I supported regulations that reduce phone access charges so that our phone companies are in a better position to compete and invest in telecommunications and broadband deployment. I have supported investments made by our rural local telephone companies necessary to provide affordable phone service while at the same time discouraging excessive subsidies that harm competition in these markets. I have testified in Congress on multiple occasions to fight unreasonable environmental regulations that would prevent states such as Georgia from using an abundant resource in coal. I have testified against a carbon cap and trade system as it will harm Georgia ratepayers disproportionately more than the rest of the country, especially those with low-income. While I have been consistent in my opposition to mandated renewable portfolio standards that force major subsidies on all rate classes, I have supported incentives in solar power generation and use of biomass and landfill gas to create energy. More recently, I have voted to support incentives that encourage the private sector to construct compressed natural gas vehicle fueling stations to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and promote new industry and jobs right here in Georgia. My job is not done. Through this letter I am announcing my intention to seek re-election in 2012. Predictably, the progressive-left will field a candidate against me in the spring. My re-election is vital if we are to continue the strong fiscal management that has kept our rates below the national average and our utilities healthy and able to invest in new infrastructure. Other states have not been so fortunate where lower returns for utilities have resulted in higher borrowing costs and inadequate infrastructure investment, which leads to higher rates over time and interruptions in service. I humbly ask for your continued support. Please stay tuned to this website for my campaign platform for 2012, coming soon. Sincerely, Stan Wise |
Dear Georgia Voter,