Three Utility Issues. One Bottom Line: Protect Alabama Customers

From the McNeil campaign

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — New procedures for data center electricity contracts, a security breach affecting Alabama Power customers and new campaign promises about data center development have put utility accountability in the spotlight this week. Sheila McNeil, Democratic candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2, says each deserves a clear response and practical solutions.

“People are trying to understand what all of this means for their electric bills, their personal information and their communities,” McNeil said.

“They deserve answers they can understand and officials willing to do the work that follows.”

On Tuesday, the PSC approved procedures requiring more public information about large data center customers and their power demands. According to published reports, Alabama Power must also provide full contracts and detailed financial analyses confidentially to the Commission and attorney general.

McNeil welcomed those requirements but criticized the provision allowing contracts to take effect automatically if commissioners do not vote within 90 days.

“More disclosure is progress, and I’m glad to see it,” McNeil said. “But commissioners still need to review these agreements, ask questions and vote in public. A contract that could affect customers for decades should not take effect simply because nobody voted.”

In August, McNeil called for affirmative public votes, an accessible public-comment process and enforceable financial commitments protecting existing customers if a data center closes, changes its plans or uses less electricity than projected. She said she will review the Commission’s written order and Alabama Power’s plan for carrying it out to determine how those financial safeguards are addressed.

Separately, Alabama Power has notified customers of unauthorized access to its online customer portal. Reporting indicates about 100,000 Alabama Power customers may have been affected, although the exact number remains unclear. The company says potentially exposed information included contact details, basic account information and the last four digits of some customers’ Social Security numbers, but not bank account or payment card numbers.

Southern Company says it stopped the activity, engaged law enforcement and is notifying affected customers while offering a year of free credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services.

“Customers need to know whether their information was involved, what help is available and how to get it,” McNeil said. “I’m glad assistance is being offered. The company also needs to explain what it is doing to prevent this from happening again. That follow-through matters.”

McNeil also responded to Tommy Tuberville’s new proposals to give communities control over data center development, end tax breaks and require developers to cover their costs. As AL.com reported, giving counties broader zoning authority and ending their authority to grant data center tax abatements would require legislative action. Those promises need a plan forgetting the necessary changes through the Legislature.

“Communities deserve a meaningful say, and data centers should pay the costs they create,” McNeil said. “Those are goals worth pursuing. Now we need the details: what laws must change, who must act and how these promises will be carried out. The PSC’s responsibility to scrutinize utility contracts and protect existing customers belongs in that conversation.”

McNeil said the week’s developments reinforce the need for officials to work together on specific, enforceable solutions.

“Alabama families know there are problems. They’re looking for people willing to solve them,” McNeil said. “I’ve put forward proposals to protect ratepayers, make public participation easier and hold commissioners accountable for their decisions. I’m ready to work with anyone who wants to get this right.

“It is time to move from identifying problems to putting solutions in place. That is the work I’m running to do.”

Sheila McNeil is the Democratic candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2. Her campaign focuses on utility affordability, transparency, accountability and reliable infrastructure.

Learn more at mcneilforpsc2.com.