BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Public Service Commission’s “public meetings” about Alabama Power’s rates are well underway at this point. To continue to put pressure on the powers that be, GASP has created a petition on the popular site change.org. We’re asking our members, fans, followers, and anyone interested in transparent energy policies to sign on.
The petition asks Attorney General Luther Strange and Assistant Attorney General Olivia Martin to put the interests of the Alabamians who elected them first and foremost in the public meetings. A recent editorial> called for similar action from the Strangge and Martin. Between media pressure and your electronic signatures, we can create positive change.
The PSC has not held publicly contested formal rate hearings in more than 30 years, and the results speak for themselves: Alabamians pay some of the highest electricity bills in the nation while Alabama Power earns a return on equity 30–40 percent higher than the industry average for investor-owned utilities.
“Please, as my representative before the commission,” the petition reads, “defend my best interests, and the interests of other Alabama consumers, during the PSC’s meetings … My health and economic well-being depend on affordable electricity and a transparent energy-planning process.”
More than 100 Alabamians, including Commissioner Terry Dunn, have signed the petition. We need your help spreading the word between now and July 17, the date of the final and most critical public meeting. We need a transparent system and you can help make that happen.
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