Georgia PSC Blocks Utility Cutoffs, Late Fees for TSA Agents

Order ensures TSA workers in Georgia won't lose utilities or face late fees during federal shutdown

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:51am

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A cinematic painting of a lone TSA agent standing in an empty airport terminal, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the quiet melancholy of essential workers struggling through the government shutdown.The PSC's utility protections aim to ease the financial strain on TSA agents who continue reporting to work without consistent pay during the federal government shutdown.Atlanta Today

The Georgia Public Service Commission has unanimously approved a measure to prevent TSA agents living in the state from having their utility services disconnected or incurring late fees while the ongoing partial federal government shutdown continues. The order requires TSA employees to verify their employment status to qualify for the protections, and any outstanding balances must be paid within 30 days after the shutdown ends and back pay is restored.

Why it matters

The order is intended to ease the financial strain on TSA agents who are continuing to report to work without consistent pay during the shutdown. Many TSA workers have taken on second jobs or gig work to cover basic living expenses, and the PSC measure aims to ensure they don't lose essential utility services.

The details

Under the PSC order, TSA employees in Georgia will not have their utility services cut off for nonpayment or incur late fees while the shutdown continues. The protections apply only to utilities regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission, such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light, and do not extend to all utility services statewide.

  • The Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously approved the measure during its April 7, 2026 administrative session.
  • The order will remain in effect for as long as the partial federal government shutdown continues.

The players

Georgia Public Service Commission

The state regulatory agency that unanimously approved the measure to protect TSA agents from utility shutoffs and late fees during the federal government shutdown.

Tricia Pridemore

A commissioner on the Georgia Public Service Commission who made the motion to approve the order providing utility protections for TSA workers.

Jason Shaw

The chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, who voiced support for the order and emphasized the importance of assisting essential workers during periods of financial uncertainty.

Peter Hubbard

A commissioner on the Georgia Public Service Commission who said TSA officers should not have to worry about losing utilities while continuing to work without reliable income during the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“Efforts such as this moratorium on shutoffs for TSA agents are a perfect example of the leadership Commissioner Pridemore regularly provides for Georgia.”

— Jason Shaw, Chairman, Georgia Public Service Commission

“TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson are showing up every day to keep Georgia safe, even as they go without a paycheck. They shouldn't have to worry about coming home to a dark house.”

— Peter Hubbard, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission

What’s next

The order will remain in effect until the partial federal government shutdown ends and TSA agents in Georgia receive their back pay.

The takeaway

This PSC order demonstrates how state and local governments can step in to support essential workers facing financial hardship during periods of federal dysfunction, ensuring they don't lose critical utilities while continuing to serve their communities.