The Alabama Senate signed onto a bill that would overhaul the structure and governance of the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) and prohibit electric base rate increases through June 1, 2029.
) - The Alabama Senate signed on to a bill that would drastically reshape the Alabama Public Service Commission , which sets monopoly utility rates in Alabama and prohibit electric base rate increases through June 1, 2029.
Commissioners would represent geographical districts that mirror Alabama’s congressional districts. Four new commissioners would be appointed by the governor by July 15, 2026. Two commissioners would serve two-year terms, two other commissioners would serve four-year terms. Then those commission seats would be elected. Creates Secretary of Energy cabinet position, appointed by the governor. SB360, named the Power to the People Act would expand the APSC from three members to seven, who would represent geographical areas of the state rather than serve at-large. The bill stops short of changing the way utilities are regulated and addressing profit, but would freeze electric base rates through June 2029. “The seven commissioners have to be elected and the new structure has to be put firmly in place before rate cases can be tackled, stated Jess Skaggs, Chief of Staff to Senate Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger. “But one of the main goals of this legislation is lowering utility costs for families and individuals, which is why it outlaws rate increases for three years but allows rate reductions.”The legislation would also prohibit passing along lobbying costs, most advertising expenses and grants to ratepayers, which are already in effect. It would require Alabama Power to confirm these prohibited costs are not included in new rates or rate increases going forward.The bill proposes transitioning four new members onto the APSC initially by gubernatorial appointments that would happen this year. This comes on the heels of significant public backlash over a bill that wasAccording to SB360, the governor would appoint four commissioners by July 15, 2026. Two of those commissioners would serve two‑year appointed terms and two would serve four‑year appointed terms. The governor would be required to select appointees from a list of three names submitted by the lieutenant governor, house speaker and senate pro tempore for each position.One commissioner would replace member previously elected as APSC President. Two commissioners would be elected to replace those serving two-year terms, one would represent the Seventh Congressional District.2030 election: Two commissioners would be elected to replace those serving four-year appointed terms, one would represent Second Congressional District.The bill also creates a secretary of energy, which would be a gubernatorial appointment and a member of the governor’s cabinet. This position, according to the bill, must have experience in utility regulation, energy policy or a related field. The secretary of energy would direct the activities of the commission, set agendas for all commission meetings and have authority over personnel and administrative functions of the commission. The bill would revise conflict‑of‑interest rules which prohibit public service commissioners, the secretary of energy, their spouses and children and commission employees from performing paid services for public utilities. Energy Alabama, a clean energy nonprofit who’s been vocal during this legislative session about lowering energy rates compared this legislation to ‘rearranging deck chairs on the sinking Titanic’. “For 44 years, Alabama Power has operated virtually unchecked. The absence of real oversight and transparency is what is driving high electric bills in this state and SB360 does not fix it. For too long, Alabama Power has shaped energy policy in Montgomery to its own benefit. This bill is the latest example of exactly that.” Energy prices in Alabama will be a key topic in two legislative committee meetings Wednesday. SB360 will be in the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee.will be up for a vote in the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. It would require the to regulate Alabama Power through rate cases, which hasn’t happened in more than forty years. It would also cap Alabama Power’s profits.3 suspects sought in Prattville retail theft case, 1 not chargedAlabama House passes school prayer bill, removes provision threatening funding cutsAlabama bill aims to end surprise ambulance bills, but critics say it will raise premiums Alabama governor signs Safe Streets Act, law inspired by two Mobile County teens killed in DUI, hit-and-run crashes
Alabama Senate Senate Energy Regulation Rate Case Garlan Gudger Jess Skaggs Energy Prices Power Bill Wbrc Jefferson County Birmingham Sb360 Alabama Legislature Montgomery Alabama Senate Alabama Power Price Of Power WBRC 6 Fox 6 Myfoxal News 6 On Your Side Investigates Investigative Alabama Public Service Commission APSC Electric Base Rates SB360 Chief Of Staff To Senate Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger Daniel Tait Energy Alabama Rep. Mack Butler HB 475
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