Alabama House Pushes for Regular Utility Rate Hearings

0:00This is Cory with the story with Birmingham News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Alabama's House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that pushes the Public Service Commission to hold public-rate case hearings every three years. Sponsored by State Representative Mack Butler from Gadsden, the measure also limits returns on equity to no higher than the national average. This comes amid growing calls for more oversight on utility rates. Butler's House version aims to keep things straightforward with regular public input on pricing. Lawmakers and constituents seem to back the House approach strongly. Butler noted that feedback from folks back home overwhelmingly supported over the Senate's alternative. Meanwhile, the Senate has its own bill from State Senator Clyde Chamblis of Prattville. That one expands the commission from three to seven members, elected by Congressional District, and as a new energy secretary position, it includes hearings, too, but skips the equity cap. Butler is skeptical about that energy

1:01secretary idea and hopes for talks soon to blend the best parts of both bills into a compromise. This episode is supported by our sponsor, See Details in the description. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.