Reforming the Alabama PSC Without Silencing Voters

Guest Opinion by Robin Litaker

Let’s face it – something is very wrong at the Alabama Public Service Commission.

The circus that unfolded last week, with legislators claiming to fix the PSC by removing our votes and appointing positions, has already shown a lack of understanding about the agency and a disregard for our voice and our vote. 

Given that no one possesses complete knowledge of every agency, it’s crucial that the entire Legislative Delegation thoroughly reconsider this matter. The decision to enact legislation sounded like a good idea to some, but that is just as concerning as the bill itself.  Typical scare tactics like Dark Money, the Green New Deal, and environmental mandates often get Republicans into a frenzy, so let’s take a moment to summarise what the PSC is supposed to do and how we can make it work efficiently, without wasting taxpayer dollars. We need to give ratepayers the confidence that they are getting the best and lowest prices for gas and electricity. Above all, we must ensure that our freedom to vote is not taken away from us.

The PSC operates similarly to the over 400 other Alabama state agencies. A comprehensive review is necessary to identify areas of waste and ensure that taxpayers and ratepayers receive optimal service.

Let’s compare the PSC to the Alabama Department of Insurance or any other state agency. The Alabama Department of Insurance is headed by a single appointed individual, the Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) already has a remarkably similar role within one of its eight divisions. The position I’m referring to is within the Legal Division and has maintained the same individual as its head for several decades. This individual coordinates and works with all eight PSC divisions, meets with utilities representatives and elected Commissioners, and basically oversees everything at the PSC, including legal matters. However, the current title doesn’t adequately reflect the responsibilities. Coincidentally, if you believe in such things, John Garner, the head of the Legal Division, announced his retirement on Monday.

After researching the inner workings, historical background, and receiving insider information from employees and former employees of the PSC, I believe the following measures would effectively eliminate waste and preserve the integrity of our electoral process:

1. The head of the Legal Division should assume the role of the appointed Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, an appointment made by the Governor.

2. The current elected Commissioner positions should be eliminated and changed to Board Positions, expanding to seven elected positions to align with the seven Congressional Districts in Alabama. This would give everyone in Alabama a voice, which is currently not the case.

3. The current three Commissioners’ annual salaries are around $100,000.00, and include insurance and RSA Retirement benefits. They also enjoy perks such as a staff of three employees per Commissioner, travel expenses, cars, and other benefits. Eliminating these salaries would save millions annually, and the new 7-person elected PSC Board should receive stipends similar to those of the Alabama State School Board.

4. The PSC Board positions would be part-time, therefore, eliminating the need for the current staff of three employees per Commissioner. These positions could be eliminated or absorbed into other departments if necessary, further saving millions in salaries, insurance, and RSA retirement premiums.

The PSC Commissioners are elected to ensure fair treatment between regulated companies and consumers, providing safe, reliable, and affordable services. They are accountable to us, the ratepayers.  Effective communication skills and common sense are essential for representing our interests. Withdrawing our vote would only penalize Alabama ratepayers and contradict the PSC’s original objectives.

While there are concerns regarding issues within the agency, it is crucial to address them without resorting to removing our vote.

Despite the widespread attention given to DOGE at the Federal level, there has been a lack of action to reduce waste within any Montgomery agency. It is imperative that we initiate a comprehensive redesign of this agency and a redirection of its operations, transforming it into an example for the other 400+ bloated bureaucratic agencies in the state of Alabama.

The Public Service Commission of Alabama was established after the Civil War, with the goal of ensuring fair and equitable train fairs. Over the years, it has undergone significant growth and transformation, evolving into the bloated bureaucratic agency we see today. While other factors influence any redesign, the primary objective of this short op-ed is to give a vision for transforming this aging agency into a more efficient and representative force for the people of Alabama—without taking our vote and needed representation away.

Robin Litaker is a longtime educator, community leader and political candidate from Homewood. With more than three decades in public education, she taught and served as an administrator in both the Mobile County and Hoover City School systems, earning recognition as Alabama State Teacher of the Year. Litaker holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in physical education from Winthrop College, an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Montevallo, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University. She founded and led the Alabama Conference of Educators, served on numerous educational boards, and is a lifelong Republican.

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