Ivey Appoints Former UA SGA President, 3 Others To PSC
Governor Ivey has filled the four new seats on the Alabama Public Service Commission created when the Alabama Legislature expanded the commission from three to four members. A former University of Alabama Student Government Association President is one of the four selected.
Demarcus Joiner is an Associate at Maynard Nexsen. He has prior experience working in public policy through his time at the University of Alabama System. Joiner is also a previous University of Alabama Student Government Association president.
Ron Burgess, a retired three star general, most recently served as Executive Vice President at Auburn University, having held the post since May 2018. He first joined the university in 2012 as Senior Counsel for National Security Programs, Cyber Programs and Military Affairs. Burgess retired from the U.S. Army as the 17th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Fred Johnson is an expert in rural telecommunications and electric distribution. After his more than 40-year career in the field, which included 23 years as Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Telecommunications, he served as a member of the board of directors for the National Cooperative Solutions Cooperation.
“For Alabama to remain the best state in which to live, work and raise a family, we need good people serving in public office, including on our Public Service Commission. I am proud to tap these four experienced leaders to serve their fellow Alabamians in this capacity,” Governor Ivey stated in a press release. “I expect these individuals to serve with honesty and integrity.”
The four new positions were created during this past spring's legislative session. The legislation also implements a three-year freeze on utility rates, locking them in until January 2029. While advertised as a consumer protection measure, critics point out that it locks in place some of the highest power rates in the country, effectively blocking the PSC from voting to cut electricity costs.
Current PSC President, and former Tuscaloosa City Council member and legislative representative Cynthia Lee Almond will be the only returning PSC member next year as the two incumbent members lost their races in the primaries this spring.
The governor had until July 15th to make the new appointments.
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