SB320 – Public Service Commission Reform and Expanded Public Representation

Background: SB 320 would restructure the Alabama Public Service Commission by increasing the number of commissioners from three members elected statewide to seven members, with one commissioner elected from each congressional district. This new process would commence with the November 2030 general election. The bill would also require the newly constituted commission to elect a president from among its members at the beginning of each term. In addition, SB320 would require the commission to hold at least one public informational meeting each year with utility representatives to discuss issues such as cost trends, reliability, resilience, infrastructure investment, economic development impacts, and other regulatory matters affecting the public.

Our Position: We support Senate Bill 320. The Public Service Commission makes decisions that affect every Alabama household, from utility costs to service reliability, so it should be as representative, transparent, and accountable as possible. Expanding the commission to include district-based representation will give more communities a direct voice in utility regulation, rather than concentrating that authority in a small number of statewide offices. Requiring annual public meetings would also help improve transparency and public understanding of the issues that shape utility service and affordability across the state.