Alabama Lawmakers Move to Eliminate the Public Service Commission as Power Rates Remain Among the Highest in the Nation

Alabama lawmakers are moving quickly on legislation that would eliminate the elected Alabama Public Service Commission and replace it with an appointed body. The proposal is advancing on a fast track, with a committee hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. at the State House, where lawmakers are expected to hear specifics of the bill for the first time. The proposal is moving under House Bill 392 and Senate Bill 268.

Despite the magnitude of the change, the legislation surfaced over the weekend, with House and Senate floor votes expected as early as Thursday.

For a proposal that would permanently remove voters from the process of regulating power and utility rates, the speed has raised serious questions.

What the PSC Does and Why Elections Matter

The Public Service Commission exists for one primary reason. It acts as a check on monopoly utilities. Commissioners approve or deny rate increases, oversee service standards, and represent consumers in a state where most residents have no alternative power provider.

Currently, those commissioners are elected by the people rather than appointed by politicians.

That structure creates direct accountability. Voters can reward or remove commissioners based on decisions that affect monthly power bills.

Alabama Power Rates Are Already High

Alabama families are already facing some of the highest power rates in the nation. Even Senator Katie Britt has publicly acknowledged the burden high utility costs place on Alabama households.

Against that backdrop, the push to eliminate the elected commission responsible for overseeing rates has drawn increased scrutiny.

Why Utility Influence Is Limited Under the Current System

Under existing Alabama law, utility companies are prohibited from influencing Public Service Commission elections.

• Utility companies cannot contribute to PSC campaigns.
• Utility company employees cannot donate to PSC candidates.
• Violations can carry criminal penalties.

These safeguards exist to prevent conflicts of interest between utilities and the regulators who oversee them.

What Changes If Commissioners Are Appointed

If commissioners are appointed instead of elected, those protections no longer function the same way.

Utility companies would remain prohibited from donating directly to commissioners. However, they would be permitted to donate unlimited amounts to governors, legislators, political action committees, and leadership funds. Those same officials would then control who is appointed to the commission.

The result is indirect influence replacing direct voter oversight.

How the System Shifts

Elected Public Service Commission Current System:
- Commissioners answer directly to voters
- Utility companies are barred from campaign contributions
- Public accountability exists at the ballot box
- Consumers have a direct voice in rate oversight

Appointed Public Service Commission Proposed System:
- Commissioners answer to political leaders
- Utility companies may donate to appointing officials
- Decisions are made behind closed doors
- Political influence replaces voter oversight

The Rush Raises Questions

The speed of the process has become one of the most controversial aspects of the proposal.

The bill appeared over the weekend.
A committee hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Floor votes are expected by Thursday.

This is occurring with limited public discussion and no statewide vote.

Supporters have cited advocacy from a green energy association claiming to play a role in Alabama elections. However, there is little public record showing that the group has participated in Public Service Commission races, which are governed by strict contribution and participation laws.

That raises a straightforward question. If this change is about improving outcomes for consumers, why move so quickly and why remove voters from the process entirely? Who's reallybehind the smoke and mirrors?

The Bottom Line

Eliminating the elected Public Service Commission does not automatically lower power rates. It does not create competition. And it does not increase transparency.

What it does is permanently shift authority away from Alabama voters and place it in the hands of political appointees selected outside public view.

With power bills already high and families under pressure, Alabamians deserve time, transparency, and a clear explanation before losing their right to vote on the officials who regulate their utilities.

Take Action

If you are concerned about losing your right to vote for Public Service Commissioners, contact your state legislators now.

Call the Alabama State House switchboard at 334 242 7200 and ask to be connected to your State Representative or State Senator. Let them know you oppose eliminating the elected Public Service Commission.

With a committee hearing Tuesday and floor votes expected by Thursday, time matters.