Alabama House Votes on PSC Reform Bill

0:00In Birmingham, it's March 16th. Here's what is happening. The Alabama House is set to vote on Tuesday on a bill that would force the Public Service Commission to hold public rate case hearings every three years. Sponsored by State Representative Mack Butler from Rainbow City, the measure passed out of committee last week. It aims to cap rates for Alabama power and other investor-owned utilities at the regional average. Butler explains that current PSC hearings just rubber stamp high returns on equity using a simple formula, one of the best in the country. His bill changes that by turning rate cases into formal proceedings. Complete with the peanut power and sworn testimony from utilities to justify their charges. Lawmakers see this as a way to protect consumers from excessive utility bills. Butler notes it might add a few dollars in short-term costs, but could save hundreds of millions over time by keeping rates in check. Meanwhile, the Senate has passed its own version of PSC reform. That bill expands the commission, creates a new secretary of energy position, and mandates an annual public meeting on utility issues, which would, bring yearly added expenses.

1:10With the House vote looming on Tuesday, the two chambers will need to reconcile their differences to send something to the governor. Utilities and repairs alike are watching closely for any changes ahead. This story is made possible by our sponsor. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I. SoleyPillow.com