Alabama Senator Proposes Expanding Public Service Commission

0:00This is Corey, keeping Birmingham in the know, you're listening to Birmingham News today. Alabama State Senator Clyde Chamblis wants to shake up the Public Service Commission by expanding it from three members to seven. His bill, Senate Bill 360, calls for electing one commissioner from each of the seven congressional districts to boost local input on utility. Raid statewide, earlier this week on a mobile radio show, Chamblis said the change returns power to everyday people who've lacked real representation for the past. 20 to 30 years, he stressed covering all corners of Alabama from Prattville to everywhere in between. The bill would block any rate increases until the majority of the new commissioners take office, though rates could still drop. Chamblis compared it to reforms at the Department of Corrections, where public feedback has driven real improvements. For stability, elections would stagger over time, electing just two or three commissioners at once instead of the whole board. It also mandates annual public hearings, a rarity since the 1980s, so Ray Payers can voice concerns directly.

1:06Chamblis believes there's plenty of time left in the session to pass it quickly, with the law kicking in June first if approved. He called it vital since Alabamians paid billions in utility bills every year. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com.