A prominent Georgia political figure was arrested this week in connection with the alleged theft of confidential energy company documents, shining a spotlight on ethics, oversight, and accountability in state regulatory affairs.
Patty Durand, a former Democratic candidate for Georgia’s Public Service Commission (PSC), was taken into custody Tuesday by Georgia Capitol Police and charged with felony theft, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. Georgia Power alleges that Durand took sensitive trade secret materials during a PSC hearing on proposals to expand the state’s power grid.
The hearing centered on Georgia Power’s request to add nearly 10,000 megawatts to the grid, primarily to serve data centers. Approximately 60% of the proposed energy would come from gas plants, with the remaining 40% sourced from renewables, according to the Georgia Recorder.
Durand, founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy, has criticized the company’s focus on gas infrastructure, arguing it favors corporate profits over sustainable energy investments.
Video footage from the meeting reportedly shows Durand approaching a desk, briefly taking a booklet, and placing it in her bag before leaving the room. Authorities have not disclosed what she intended to do with the documents. Georgia Power is cooperating with investigators as the case unfolds.
In August, Durand had raised concerns about transparency in Georgia Power’s agreements with data centers, highlighting heavily redacted contracts that obscure pricing and contractual terms.
Following the arrest, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon criticized Durand, saying, “Patty Durand built her brand attacking the Public Service Commission, and now she’s been arrested for stealing from it.” McKoon contrasted her actions with the GOP’s focus on maintaining reliable and affordable energy.
Durand’s campaign website features a photo with Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), a figure often discussed in political debates for his progressive stances. The case comes amid ongoing scrutiny of elected officials’ conduct in regulatory and corporate matters.
Conclusion
Patty Durand’s arrest highlights growing attention on the conduct of political figures involved in state regulatory processes, particularly when confidential corporate information is at stake.
As the investigation continues, it raises questions about transparency, ethics, and accountability in Georgia’s energy sector and political landscape.