The Power to the People Act seeks to reform the Public Service Commission in Alabama by expanding its membership from three to seven commissioners, each representing a specific congressional district. The bill adjusts the terms of office for commissioners to six years with staggered elections starting in November 2026. It also establishes the Secretary of Energy as a cabinet member appointed by the Governor to oversee the commission's activities. Additionally, the act imposes a moratorium on increases in electric retail base rates until January 1, 2029, and restricts electric utilities from including certain costs in their rate calculations. The bill amends several sections of the Code of Alabama 1975, including the repeal of Section 37-1-9, which previously outlined additional provisions for public service commissioners.

Key changes include the Governor's authority to appoint individuals to fill vacancies among commissioners, with specific procedures based on party affiliation, and the establishment of new ethical guidelines prohibiting utilities from contributing to commissioner candidates. The bill also consolidates the commission's structure by eliminating the roles of a president and two associate commissioners, allowing for elections in each congressional district instead. Furthermore, it mandates annual public meetings and formal hearings to enhance transparency in the rate-making process. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, and includes provisions for aligning references to congressional districts with the 2024 congressional election.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-32, 37-1-81
Enrolled: 37-1-1, 37-1-3, 37-1-5, 37-1-12