Alabama Senate Passes Power to the People Act

0:00In Birmingham, it's March 11th. Here's what is happening. The Alabama Synod just passed a bill called the Power to the Peaball Act to overhaul the Public Service Commission, which regulates utility rates. Across the state, it expands the commission from three members to seven with each representing districts that match Alabama's congressional areas. A big part of it freezes. Electric base rate increases from October 2026 through June 1st, 2029, aiming to ease costs for families. Earlier this week, the Synod signed on after debate sparked by high-power bills here. The governor will appoint four new commissioners by July 15th, 2026, uh, two for two-year terms, and two for four-year terms. From there, elections roll out gradually with the full seven member setup complete by 2031. Folks have pushed back hard on utility cost, especially after reports showed Alabama's paying some of the nation's highest bills. This follows a failed push to make the commission all appointed,

1:00so lawmakers went with a mix of picks and votes to get more local voices in. The bill also sets up a new secretary of energy position in the governor's cabinet. Someone with utility or energy know-how to oversee meetings and staff. It tightens rules too, banning commissioners and their families from sidewalk with utilities, and stops passing lobbying, ads, or grants onto. Customer bills. Meanwhile, energy prices head to key committee hearings this week, including this bill and the Senate and a house measure to cap profits and force rate. Reviews after decades, with session winding down, timing is everything for these changes to stick. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. Do not just listen to podcasts. Get lost in them comfortably. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com