Montgomery, AL — Today, the Alabama House of Representatives passed HB 475, and for the first time in decades, Alabama Power customers have a real reason to celebrate.
HB 475 does what Alabamians have been demanding: it requires rate hearings under oath, reduces Alabama Power’s outrageous profit margins, and bans the utility from charging customers for its lobbying and political activities. This is the kind of meaningful reform that changes bills, not just headlines.
For forty-four years, Alabama Power has operated without a real rate review. That ends with this bill. The House heard from tens of thousands of Alabamians who stood up against HB 392, who spoke out against SB 360, and who kept showing up for HB 475. Today’s vote is proof that showing up works.
Now the bill moves to the Senate. We urge every Alabama senator to pass HB 475 without amendments. Alabamians are watching, and they deserve nothing less than the full bill.
Energy Alabama also applauds the House passage of HB 403 led by Representative Neil Rafferty. This bill protects Alabama Power customers from paying for costs related to data centers and other large electric loads. HB 403 is a commonsense protection, and we thank Representative Rafferty and the House for getting it done.
Daniel Tait, Executive Director, Energy Alabama
