BREAKING: Capitol Police Arrest Prominent Democrat – Forcefully Escorted in Handcuffs

This expansion would be equivalent to adding the output of approximately two Plant Vogtle nuclear reactors and would primarily serve the rapidly growing demand from large-scale data centers in Georgia.

Durand has long been a vocal critic of these data centers, arguing that the utility’s focus on supporting them comes at the expense of ordinary electricity consumers and public transparency.

She has consistently opposed both the construction of new data centers and potential rate increases tied to these projects, emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of Georgia Power’s contracts and agreements.

According to video footage reported by GPB, Durand, wearing a brown jacket, was seen approaching a desk during the hearing, picking up a booklet, setting it back down, and moving to a second desk, where she allegedly took another booklet and placed it into her bag before leaving the room.

While the precise purpose of her actions has not been publicly confirmed, Georgia Power has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.

Durand has long criticized the lack of transparency in Georgia Power’s dealings with data centers.

In an August interview with GPB, she expressed concern over what she described as “heavy redactions and trade secrets” in PSC filings. She argued that the public cannot access key details about contracts or costs associated with these facilities.

“The Public Service Commission allows very heavy redactions and trade secrets,” Durand said.

“So the contracts between Georgia Power and the data centers are also redacted and trade secreted.

So no one will know what they actually charge data centers.”

These comments underscore her ongoing advocacy for accountability in utility regulation and her opposition to opaque corporate practices.

Durand has been actively engaged in energy policy oversight in Georgia.

Earlier this year, she founded a nonprofit watchdog group, Georgians for Affordable Energy, with the goal of monitoring utility practices, promoting transparency, and advocating for more equitable energy policy.

During the PSC hearing in question, she alleged that Georgia Power was prioritizing profits for its five affiliated gas companies by building new natural gas power plants instead of investing in renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, battery storage, and energy efficiency programs.

She described these actions as “immoral” and insisted that regulatory authorities should hold the utility accountable to the public interest.

The Georgia Recorder reported that the proposed PSC proceedings were intended to approve the addition of nearly 10,000 megawatts to Georgia’s power grid, with approximately 60% expected to come from natural gas expansions or new plants, while 40% would be generated from renewable energy sources.

Durand publicly criticized this allocation, emphasizing that Georgia Power’s decisions appeared to favor corporate profits over environmental sustainability and long-term energy security.

She has consistently called for greater oversight, arguing that the utility’s current practices lack accountability and undermine the interests of Georgia ratepayers.

Following Durand’s arrest, political figures quickly weighed in.

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon issued a statement sharply criticizing her actions, saying, “Patty Durand built her brand attacking the Public Service Commission and now she’s been arrested for stealing from it.

This is the same failed Democrat PSC candidate who parades around as a so-called ‘watchdog’ while caught on video taking confidential Georgia Power materials.

While Republican leaders are working to keep energy reliable and affordable for Georgia families, Democrats like Durand are sneaking around government offices and walking off with stolen documents.”

McKoon’s comments highlight the partisan dimension of the case and its potential implications for energy policy debates in the state.

Durand’s campaign website features images of her alongside prominent Democratic figures, including U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia.

Some media outlets have focused on these political associations, framing the situation within broader partisan debates over energy policy, regulatory oversight, and transparency. Continue reading…