City of Buford v. Georgia Power Co.

Fletcher, Chief Justice.

This appeal involves the constitutionality of the City of Buford’s moratorium on the construction of electric power substations. The trial court held that the ordinance establishing the moratorium was preempted by state law and enjoined its enforcement. Because the City’s ordinance conflicts with state law giving the Public Service Commission exclusive authority to regulate the business activity of Georgia Power, it is preempted by state law. Therefore, we affirm the trial court.

In 2002, the City of Buford enacted an ordinance that placed a one-year moratorium on the…