Georgia Power has accused former Democratic candidate Patty Durand of stealing trade secrets, leading to her arrest by Georgia Capitol Police on Tuesday, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). Durand faces felony theft charges related to materials reportedly taken during a Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing. Video footage shows Durand picking up booklets from desks and placing one in her bag before leaving the room. The hearing focused on Georgia Power’s request to add nearly 10,000 megawatts to the state’s power grid, largely to serve data centers, with about 60% from new gas plants and 40% from renewable sources, per the Georgia Recorder.
Durand, founder of the watchdog groups Georgians for Affordable Energy and Georgia Utility Watch, opposes the expansion and potential rate hikes. She has criticized the PSC’s heavy redactions of contracts between Georgia Power and data centers, claiming the agreements lack transparency. Durand has publicly accused Georgia Power of prioritizing profits for its affiliated gas companies instead of investing in solar energy and battery storage, calling the actions “immoral.”
Following her arrest, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon condemned Durand, stating she built her reputation criticizing the PSC and was now caught taking confidential materials. McKoon contrasted her actions with Republicans’ efforts to maintain reliable and affordable energy in Georgia. Durand’s campaign has previously highlighted her connections with prominent Democrats, including a photo with Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Her case has drawn comparisons to other political and public figures involved in criminal activity, such as Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell, convicted of felony burglary in July. At this time, it remains unclear what Durand intended to do with the allegedly stolen documents, and Georgia Power is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
