Fighting for Fair Energy: A Conversation with Patty Durand
In this episode, we sit down with Patty Durand, founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy and longtime advocate for consumer rights and clean energy. Patty has spent her career at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and accountability — from leading the Georgia Sierra Club, to a decade as Executive Director of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, to launching her own campaign for the Public Service Commission.
Patty opens up about:
-
Why Georgians are paying some of the highest power bills in the Southeast
-
The role of the Public Service Commission in setting rates — and why accountability matters
-
How corruption and utility overreach harm everyday families
-
The future of clean energy in Georgia and how affordability and sustainability can go hand-in-hand
If you care about your power bill, clean energy, or holding leaders accountable, this is a must-listen conversation.
Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe
Patty Durand
Director
Patty Durand is the founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing fair electricity rates and a clean energy future in Georgia. The organization focuses on electing accountable Public Service Commissioners, increasing public awareness of how Georgia Power sets its rates, and driving long-term legislative reforms to reduce corruption at the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).
In 2021, Patty stepped down after a decade as Executive Director of the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, a national nonprofit focused on energy research and consumer engagement. Motivated by firsthand insights into regulatory failures and utility overreach, she launched a campaign for a seat on the PSC to advocate for transparency and ratepayer protection. Although the election was later cancelled due to litigation, Patty continues to be a vocal and active presence at the Commission.
Earlier in her career, Patty served as State Director of the Georgia Chapter of the Sierra Club, where she championed environmental policy and grassroots advocacy.
Patty lives in Atlanta, loves live music and hiking, and has an MBA from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
