Alabama PSC asks Alabama Power to immediately stop billing customers for TV ads

Alabama Power, the largest electricity provider in the state, is a monopoly serving about two-thirds of Alabama. Under current rules, it can bill customers for half of its non-public safety advertising costs. The new law, passed earlier this year, will require the company to cover the costs of those commercials from corporate profits, but it does not take effect until 2029.

In Tuesday's meeting, Commission President Cynthia Lee Almond said she saw no reason to wait. "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't go ahead and take steps now to begin that process, rather than waiting until Jan. 1, 2029," she said. She moved to request Alabama Power's consent to exclude all advertising expenses from rate-setting until the law takes effect. Commissioners Jeremy Oden and Chris Beeker IV voted yes after a brief discussion.

Daniel Tait, executive director of Energy Alabama, praised the decision. "We are grateful for the leadership of President Almond and the full commission for acting to end customers paying for Alabama Power's advertising," Tait said. He said that, once in place, Alabama would have one of the strongest customer protections in the nation on this front.

Alabama Power did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The vote is among the final actions of the three-member commission before a major overhaul. In January, the commission will expand to seven members. A new secretary of energy, selected by Governor-elect Tommy Tuberville, will set its agenda. Oden and Beeker, who voted for the measure, will leave the commission after being defeated in Republican primaries. Almond will be the sole remaining member of the current commission.