Emily Jones Journalist Profile

Articles

Meet the Ga. Public Service Commission candidates

2 weeks ago | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Early voting is underway in the primary election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, the powerful panel of regulators with final say over the rates and energy plans of the state’s largest electric utility, Georgia Power.
Georgia Power is planning for a huge spike in energy demand. Critics say it’s overestimating

4 weeks ago | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Georgia’s largest electric utility is preparing to meet what it says is a huge spike in new electricity demand. Georgia Power says it expects it will need to provide 8,200 more megawatts by 2031 – about four times the energy made by its brand-new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.
Climate advocates worry as fossil fuels power Georgia's data centers

1 month ago | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. An expansive former row-crop farm in Lee County, in southwest Georgia, is now home to a flock of sheep with a job to do: eat grass. “My rule of thumb is if I can walk out here among the panels and still see my boots, then that’s effective grazing management,” said site manager Tyler Huber on a recent visit to the farm.
Georgia Power agrees to freeze rates, but bills could still increase

1 month ago | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. In a surprise move, Georgia’s largest electric company is asking to temporarily freeze rates, though customer bills could still go up next year. The proposal could bring welcome relief for Georgia Power customers who have experienced multiple bill increases, but some advocates said it also raises serious concerns.
Farmers, small businesses still waiting on promised financial help for energy upgrades

Mar 25, 2025 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Katie Myers |Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco |Izzy Ross |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist,BPR, a public radio station serving western North Carolina,WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station, WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region, and Interlochen Public Radio in Northern Michigan.
Public Service Commission elections resume for Georgia voters

Feb 27, 2025 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization Georgia voters can elect commissioners for two seats on the state’s powerful Public Service Commission this year, after years of delays and canceled elections. The PSC oversees utilities like electricity, gas and telecommunications companies. That includes regulating Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric provider.
Lawmakers try to revive utility consumer advocate

Feb 18, 2025 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Some Georgia state legislators are again trying to revive a state office to advocate for utility customers. A similar effort passed the state Senate last year but foundered in the House. Most states have a consumer utility counsel, or CUC, who represents the interests of utility customers before state and federal regulators and in courts.
Georgia developing resource plan to keep pace with incoming industries

Jan 10, 2025 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) this week announced the development of a plan to ensure the state has enough energy and water to support the ongoing economic development boom.
Scientists aim to track, save right whales off the Georgia coast

Jan 9, 2025 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Most winter days off Georgia’s coast, scientists crisscross the waves looking for North Atlantic right whales. Those in a boat stay in constant contact with colleagues in a small plane – all scanning the water for whales and, hopefully, newborn calves.
Endangered North Atlantic right whales begin return to Georgia's coast

Dec 3, 2024 | thecurrentga.org | Emily Jones |Mary Landers

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. The first North Atlantic right whale calf of the season has been spotted by a boater off South Carolina. Scientists are also tracking several adult whales who may give birth in the coming weeks. Tracking North Atlantic right whales is a team effort spanning the entire U.S. Atlantic coast from Canada to Florida.