The Public Service Commission problem
The facts.
Alabama Power is dominating the headlines. While struggling to buy groceries, gas, and pay medical bills, residents can’t afford basic, everyday necessities. It’s no secret that Alabamians are being crushed under the weight of deciding between paying rent or paying the power bill.
But what IS a secret is how the Public Service Commission operates. What should be a transparent, bipartisan committee dedicated to advocating for residents of Alabama, we have a board of elected officials committed to ensuring Alabama Power has record profits for Wall Street shareholders.
The evidence is right there in our power bills and monthly budgets.
-
The median Alabama household income is $32,000. When Alabamians pay nearly the same amount for rent as they do for power, that’s a problem. In fact, residential customers pay rates 3x higher than industry and business, and at an average of 16.01 cents per kilowatt hour, those rates are the highest in the South. While Alabama Power will argue favorable rates should be given to industry and business based on volume, those industries and businesses also aren’t paying workers fair, livable wages, either. This isn’t sustainable.
-
The Public Service Commission hasn’t held a formal rate hearing since 1981. In 45 years, Alabama elected officials have not sought out public input or review, preferring to operate in closed door meetings, shrouded in secrecy, ensuring Alabama Power profits at the expense of every day Alabamians. Why doesn’t the PSC and Alabama Power want people to exercise their right to have a voice in their public utilities? Why are Alabama Power profits more important to PSC elected officials than the livelihoods of Alabamians?
-
With issues like data centers becoming hot topics across the South, energy, water usage, and land use are sparking strong responses from residents. We demand our elected officials work for the people of Alabama, not corporate interests through corrupt back-door deals.
Alabamians demand a radical shift in how the Public Service Commission operates. Not only by ensuring regular, accessible, public meetings and rate hearings, but by rebuilding trust in elected officials, through transparency and accountability.