Montgomery, AL – Alabama Power customers pay some of the highest utility bills in the country. And the state body that’s supposed to oversee all of this has operated for years without a formal, public rate case process.
HB 475 starts fixing that.
Energy Alabama supports HB 475, as substituted, as an important step toward lowering electric bills, greater transparency, and stronger accountability at the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC).
After the defeat of the Alabama Power Grab (HB 392), it is clear that Alabamians want stronger public oversight. Based on today’s hearing and local media reports, HB 475 responds to those concerns by requiring a formal, regularly scheduled rate case process with a clear timeline for review.
The bill also brings utility profit levels more in line with the national average, helping ensure Alabama customers are not paying higher-than-average returns on their power bills.
Additionally, prohibiting political spending and other non-operational costs from being passed on to customers reinforces a simple principle: electric bills should cover the cost of providing electric service, not lobbying, political activity, or unrelated expenses.
At today’s committee meeting, Energy Alabama heard reasonable technical concerns about portions of the bill’s language, and we agree that clarifying amendments could strengthen the legislation without changing its core intent. Addressing those issues would make the policy more precise and durable.
We appreciate Rep. Mack Butler and the bill’s co-sponsors for advancing this conversation and for taking steps to improve the PSC’s oversight of Alabama Power. We look forward to continued discussion on how to strengthen consumer protections and ensure electric rates remain fair, affordable, and accountable to the public.
NOTE: Energy Alabama’s statement was modified on March 4 at 2:18 PM to clarify that we support HB 475 as substituted at today’s (March 4) committee meeting.
