Alabama Republican Party Acting Chair Joan Reynolds on Friday praised Republican legislators for leading bipartisan work to protect Alabama families from rising utility costs while strengthening transparency and accountability in utility oversight.
“This is what leadership looks like,” Reynolds said. “Republican lawmakers didn’t just show up with talking points, they brought Democrats to the table and put forward real solutions that protect families, safeguard ratepayers, and keep Alabama moving forward.”
Reynolds recognized state Senator Lance Bell, Senator Andrew Jones, Representative Leigh Hulsey and Representative Chip Brown for their leadership in advancing the package.
The plan includes protections ensuring large-load data centers are responsible for the full cost of the infrastructure and grid upgrades they require, rather than shifting those costs onto existing utility customers. Reynolds said the proposal also reinforces the Public Service Commission’s role in reviewing large-load contracts in the public interest and ensuring system stability as demand grows.
Reynolds also highlighted provisions requiring annual public meetings on rates and costs, along with reforms preventing the use of ratepayer funds for lobbying or political activity.
“Ratepayer dollars should be used to provide reliable service, not bankroll political agendas,” Reynolds said. “These reforms bring sunlight, accountability, and trust back into the system.”
Reynolds noted Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still elects its Public Service Commission, making oversight reforms especially important as the state faces new energy challenges.
“As energy becomes more complex and more central to Alabama’s growth, our oversight must keep pace,” Reynolds said. “Republicans are making sure families come first, and that the system is transparent, responsible, and focused on the public interest.”
