MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – A Montgomery County judge has ruled that the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) can continue holding closed-door meetings to discuss electricity rates, drawing criticism from transparency advocates and consumer groups.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit challenging the PSC’s long-standing practice of meeting privately with regulated utilities, such as Alabama Power, before voting on rate increases. Critics argued the practice violates the Alabama Open Meetings Act and prevents public oversight of decisions that impact utility bills for millions of residents.
The court, however, sided with the commission, stating the law doesn’t explicitly require these rate discussions to be public. The PSC has maintained that its rate-setting formula, which allows Alabama Power to earn a set return on equity, is legally sound and benefits both the company and consumers by providing stability.
Consumer watchdog groups say the ruling is a step backward for transparency and could lead to higher costs with little accountability. They argue that ratepayers deserve to know how decisions are made, especially during a time when electric bills are rising statewide.
The decision is expected to be appealed.
