Alabama Lawmakers Propose Bill to Increase Oversight of Alabama Power Rates

HB475 would require the Public Service Commission to hold regular public meetings or face possible impeachment.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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An Alabama lawmaker has introduced a new bill, HB475, that aims to address rising power costs and reform the state's Public Service Commission. The bill would require the commission to hold regular public meetings, or face possible impeachment. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mack Butler, believes that forcing utilities to share more information will encourage transparency and lower rates. However, other lawmakers have raised questions about whether the state can dictate how an investor-owned utility like Alabama Power spends its money or calculates profits.

Why it matters

Rising electricity rates have been a concern for many Alabama residents, and this bill represents an effort by state lawmakers to increase oversight and transparency around the rate-setting process. The debate highlights the tension between the state's desire to protect consumers and the rights of investor-owned utilities like Alabama Power.

The details

HB475 was introduced by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, who says he wants Alabama Power and other utilities to face meaningful scrutiny from regulators. The bill would require the Public Service Commission to hold regular public meetings, or face possible impeachment. Butler believes that forcing companies to share more information will encourage transparency and lower rates. He has also introduced an amendment that would require formal rate hearings, where companies could be forced to answer questions under oath and produce company information. Alabama has not held a formal rate hearing on electricity rates since 1981.

  • HB475 was introduced on March 4, 2026.
  • The bill was carried over and may be considered by the committee next week.

The players

Rep. Mack Butler

The Alabama state representative who introduced HB475, which aims to increase oversight and transparency around Alabama Power's rates.

Rep. Steve Clouse

An Alabama state representative who expressed concerns about whether the state can dictate how an investor-owned utility like Alabama Power spends its money or calculates profits.

Rep. Leigh Hulsey

An Alabama state representative who has worked on multiple bills about data centers this session and noted a successful bill to make data center companies pay new infrastructure and power costs.

Alabama Power Company

The investor-owned utility that is the target of the proposed legislation to increase oversight of its rates.

Alabama Public Service Commission

The state regulatory body that oversees utility rates and would be required to hold regular public meetings under the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“I want to serve the people of my district, and I've heard them loud and clear. Something has to be done.”

— Rep. Mack Butler, State Representative (AL.com)

“I'm not sure, if they're investor owned, whether that's a violation of their constitutional rights.”

— Rep. Steve Clouse, State Representative (AL.com)

What’s next

The bill was carried over and may be considered by the committee next week. There is not much time in the legislative session for fresh bills to advance and make it through both chambers.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate in Alabama over rising electricity rates and the balance between consumer protection and the rights of investor-owned utilities. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for how the state regulates utility rates and the level of transparency and oversight required of companies like Alabama Power.