Zeigler: Federal Loan for Power Grid Expansion

0:00This is Cory, and here's what is making news across Birmingham right now. Jim Zygler, a candidate for Alabama Public Service Commission, placed two, spoke out this week about a huge federal loan to Alabama power. The U.S. Department of Energy announced $4.1 billion on February 25th. It's part of a record $26.5 billion package aimed at expanding the power grid. This funding will build new natural gas power plants, transmission lines, and infrastructure upgrades. It covers Alabama power and its sister company in Georgia. Officials say the push comes mainly from skyrocketing demand by data centers. Zygler pointed out that federal confirmation backs his campaign message. He argues big tech data centers are forcing the expansion, and everyday customers could end up footing the bill. Any savings from the loan would need approval from the Public Service Commission. President Trump echoed similar views in his recent state of the Union address. He pushed for tech companies to provide their own power for data centers through a rate-payer

1:03protection pledge. Zygler fully agrees and wants the commission to stand up for families. Zygler served on the Alabama Public Service Commission from 1975 to 1979. Now he's asking voters if they want a strong watchdog or someone who lets costs pass to ratepayers. This story is made possible by our sponsor. It phones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-L-O dot com.