Alabama's Utility Debate: Mack Butler Opposes Appointed PSC, Calls for Transparency ​

By Staff Writer February 22, 2026

​Alabama State Representative Mack Butler has voiced strong opposition to recent legislation that proposed shifting the Public Service Commission (PSC) from an elected body to an appointed one. The bill, which sparked significant public outcry, was abruptly removed from the legislative calendar following a week of controversy and waning support.

​Protecting the People's Vote

​Butler emphasized that removing the public's right to vote for PSC members was a "non-starter" for him. He noted that while the current system needs reform, the answer is not to take power away from the voters. Instead, he advocates for legislative "tweaks" that would mandate open rate hearings—something Alabama has not seen since 1982.

​Record Profits vs. High Utility Bills

​The Representative pointed out a growing disconnect between Alabama Power’s record-breaking profits and the financial struggles of everyday Alabamians. According to Butler:

​Alabama's energy rates are the third highest in the nation.

​Rates are roughly 30-40% higher than those in the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) region.

​Residents are currently paying over 16 cents per kilowatt hour.

​"Nobody is opposed to them making a profit... but it needs to be within reason," Butler stated, highlighting that the lack of public hearings has left consumers in the dark.

​Economic Competition

​Beyond the impact on households, Butler warned that high energy costs put Alabama at a disadvantage when recruiting new industries. With neighbors like Georgia paying less for power, Alabama’s high utility rates, combined with corporate taxes, create hurdles for state recruiters looking to fill mega-sites like the one in Etowah County.

​The Path Forward

​Butler hopes the bill to make the PSC appointed is "dead for the session". He believes the legislature should instead focus on a simpler solution: mandating the PSC to hold the rate hearings they have avoided for over four decades. By increasing transparency, Butler believes the state can better serve the people who are currently struggling to balance their checkbooks against rising utility costs.

​Watch the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m9QoCGsN5k