PSC Bill Suddenly Pulled From The House Calendar
House Bill 392 has been removed from the Alabama House calendar with no explanation. The removal comes amid claims that Alabama Power Company is behind the bill that would change the state's utility regulatory commission from an elected to an appointed body.
The bill had been approved by the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee on a 10-to-4 vote yesterday despite concerns voiced by Energy Alabama’s Executive Director Daniel Tait that the change would give utilities, especially Alabama Power, more control of the body.
“We would never advocate for something that takes away people’s rights to vote,” Tait said. “People are really more interested in protecting Alabama Power than Alabama Power customers who are struggling to pay their bill.”
The bill would make the November General Election the last for an elected Public Service Commission (PSC). It would then become an appointed body by 2030.
Presumptive Republican Gubernatorial Primary winner Tommy Tuberville told reporters Wednesday he backs HB392. “I’ve read this bill, and it’s very simple. We’re in a land rush. Companies are coming back to the U.S., and Alabama, with a heavy focus on moving all over the Southeast. It’s all state energy, you know—it’s for these new industries—and I want to make sure our utilities are being responsible with taxpayer dollars. The PSC isn’t aligned with the state leadership to keep utility rates down, which they need to be, and stop ridiculous regulations from being implemented. If they don’t do that, then they need to go immediately—not at the end of a six-year term.”
Oddly, all three current PSC members were originally appointed to their seats. President Cynthia Almond (Tuscaloosa), Jeremy Oden (Cullman) and Chip Beeker Jr. (Tuscaloosa) – were all appointed to fill unexpired terms of their predecessors. Oden and Beeker have since run for election. All three are on the Republican Primary ballot.
The bill's future is uncertain at this point, four weeks into the legislative session.
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