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 distinct geographical districts aligned with congressional districts. The bill amends several sections of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically Sections 37-1-1, 37-1-3, 37-1-5, and 37-1-12, to implement these changes. It establishes a new appointment process for commissioners, requiring the Governor to select appointees from lists provided by legislative leaders, and introduces staggered elections for the new commissioners starting in 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates at least one public meeting annually and repeals Section 37-1-9, which previously governed public service commissioners.

Moreover, the act aims to stabilize electric retail base rates by prohibiting increases until January 1, 2029, and restricting electric utilities from including certain costs, such as lobbying and advertising (except for public safety), in rate calculations. It also establishes the position of Secretary of Energy within the Governor's cabinet, effective January 19, 2027, who will oversee the commission's activities. The bill includes provisions to ensure the continued employment of unclassified employees within the commission and mandates their transition into classified service. Additionally, it prohibits public service commissioners and their immediate family from providing paid services to public utilities and prevents regulated utilities from contributing to commissioner election campaigns. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-1, 37-1-3, 37-1-5, 37-1-12
Engrossed: 37-1-1, 37-1-3, 37-1-5, 37-1-12