How Alabama Power Maintained High Bills and Limited Opposition
In one of the poorest states in America, Alabama Power generates significant profits from producing dirty energy with minimal resistance from state regulators.
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent organization covering climate, energy, and the environment. Republished with permission. Sign up for their newsletter here.
By Dennis Pillion and Lee Hedgepeth, Inside Climate News
Wired for Profit
This is the first article in a series examining Alabama Power’s influence over electric rates, renewable energy, pollution, and politics in the Yellowhammer State.
Resident Struggles with Rising Electricity Costs
In McCalla, Alabama, Mary Rosenboom is frustrated. Like 1.5 million other Alabamians, she faces ever-increasing electricity prices set by Alabama Power and approved by the state's Public Service Commission.
Every month, Rosenboom pays hundreds of dollars to the utility. She fears that a massive hyperscale data center proposed near her home will only worsen the situation. Already, these costs heavily strain her finances.
Rosenboom, a sales professional, avoids using her air conditioner during much of the day to keep her monthly bills manageable. Often, she must rely on high-interest credit cards to pay for electricity.
"I’m robbing Peter to pay Paul," she told Inside Climate News. "It makes me sick."
Her experience reflects a common struggle among many residents in Alabama.
Author's summary: Alabama Power leverages regulatory support to sustain high electricity rates, severely impacting residents financially while expanding dirty energy production.