In Alabama, a Public Service Commissioner is one of three statewide elected officials who oversee the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). The commission's primary responsibility is to regulate certain public utilities and transportation companies to ensure they provide safe, reliable service at fair and reasonable rates. 
A Public Service Commissioner's duties include:
  • Regulating utility rates by reviewing and approving (or denying) requests from regulated utilities to change rates for electricity, natural gas, telephone, and certain water services. 
  • Protecting consumers by hearing complaints, investigating utility practices, and ensuring companies comply with state laws and commission regulations. The PSC also provides a formal complaint process for customers of regulated utilities. 
  • Overseeing utility service quality, including reliability, safety, and infrastructure maintenance. Commissioners monitor whether regulated companies are providing adequate service to customers. 
  • Regulating certain transportation services, including aspects of motor carriers, railroads, and some other transportation businesses operating within Alabama. 
  • Holding public hearings and voting on cases involving utility rates, certificates, rule changes, and other regulatory matters. The commission acts in a quasi-judicial role, meaning it hears evidence and issues legally binding decisions. 
  • Establishing and enforcing regulations that govern the industries under the commission's jurisdiction. 
What a commissioner does not regulateThe Alabama PSC does not regulate every utility. For example, it generally does not regulate:
  • The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  • Municipal utility systems
  • Electric cooperatives
  • Most water systems
  • Wireless phone service
  • Cable television
  • Broadband and most internet services, which are largely outside the PSC's jurisdiction under Alabama law. 
How the commission is organizedThe commission has three elected members:
  • A President
  • Commissioner, Place 1
  • Commissioner, Place 2
Each serves a four-year term and votes on regulatory matters. Major decisions, such as approving utility rate changes, are typically made by majority vote. 

In practical terms, a Public Service Commissioner is Alabama's chief regulator of investor-owned utilities. The position combines responsibilities similar to those of a judge (hearing evidence), a legislator (setting regulatory policy), and an executive (overseeing enforcement), with a direct impact on utility bills and service for many Alabama residents.


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