Consumer Activist Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Georgia Power ‘Trade Secrets’ After Criticizing Rate Hikes

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A well-known consumer advocate and former political candidate was arrested Tuesday at the Georgia State Capitol after allegedly stealing company documents during a public meeting. Authorities say the materials contained Georgia Power’s trade secrets, and the incident was caught on surveillance video inside the Public Service Commission (PSC) boardroom.

Activist Arrested After Confronting Georgia Power Over Rate Hikes

According to police, Patty Durand — a consumer activist who has been outspoken against Georgia Power’s recent electricity rate increases — attended a PSC meeting Tuesday morning. During the session, she reportedly criticized the company’s rising costs and urged regulators to hold the utility accountable for customer impacts.

Shortly after the meeting recessed, investigators say Durand was seen on security footage picking up a booklet labeled “Georgia Power Trade Secrets” that had been left behind on a table.

An arrest warrant obtained by reporters describes the video showing Durand placing the document into her purse and leaving the room. Capitol Police detained her shortly afterward and charged her with felony theft of trade secrets, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine under Georgia law.

Georgia Power Calls Theft “A Serious Matter”

In a written statement, Georgia Power condemned the alleged theft, saying the exposure of proprietary materials could harm both the company and its business partners.

“Theft or exposure of proprietary information is a serious matter that risks harming both our company, the vendors and contractors with whom we do business, and the customers we serve,” the company said.

Officials did not reveal what specific information was contained in the document, but sources described it as internal material shared among Georgia Power staff and PSC members during the meeting.

Background: Durand’s History of Advocacy and Controversy

Durand, who has long been a vocal critic of Georgia Power, previously ran for a seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission in 2022. She won the Democratic primary that year but never advanced to the general election after a court challenge led to the cancellation of the PSC election over redistricting disputes.

Since then, she has remained active in consumer protection and energy policy circles, frequently criticizing Georgia Power’s rate adjustments and the utility’s monopoly control over electric service in the state.

Felony Charge Raises Broader Questions

Legal experts say theft-of-trade-secret charges are unusual in public meetings, particularly when documents are left unattended in open areas. It remains unclear whether Durand intended to use or share the materials she allegedly took.

Capitol Police have not commented on whether the booklet has been recovered or if any further individuals are under investigation.

As of Wednesday, Durand had not issued a public statement regarding her arrest. Supporters on social media called the incident “politically motivated,” while others argued that trade secret laws must apply equally to all, regardless of motive.

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains under review by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Capitol Police. No court date has yet been announced.

Georgia Power officials say they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing security procedures for future PSC meetings.

Have you attended a Public Service Commission hearing or followed Georgia Power’s rate debates? Share your thoughts on this developing story at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.