‘Lame duck’ commission: PSC candidates question who should decide Alabama’s data center future

A high-stakes political showdown is brewing over Alabama's energy future, with candidates vying for seats on the Public Service Commission (PSC) questioning if the current, outgoing board has the authority to dictate rules for massive data center power contracts.

The 'Lame Duck' Debate

With the PSC set for a major overhaul in less than six months—including the departure of two out of three elected commissioners who lost their primary races—contenders from both parties are sounding the alarm. Current regulators are moving forward with a public comment period regarding electrical agreements for large-scale data centers, but critics argue these decisions are far too consequential for an outgoing commission to finalize.

Republican candidate Jim Zeigler, who successfully unseated incumbent Chris Beeker in the June 16 primary, did not mince words regarding the timeline. Zeigler, who also defeated another incumbent in his primary bid, stated that the outgoing members are essentially "lame ducks" who lack the mandate to set long-term policies for the state's energy infrastructure.

The sentiment is shared by Zeigler’s Democratic opponent, Shelia McNair, who warned that rushing through massive energy contracts could be a "disaster" for Alabama ratepayers. She instead proposed an immediate focus on local zoning and utility freezes to halt development at the municipal level.

Conflicting Perspectives

Not all candidates agree on the timeline for action. James Gordon, a Democratic candidate for the PSC Place 1 seat, argued that the current commission can still fulfill its duty by gathering public input and evaluating the state's infrastructure needs. However, Gordon also noted that the commission’s influence will wane as the body expands to seven members in January, with a newly appointed secretary of energy poised to take a leading role.

The upcoming expansion, which includes four appointments by Gov. Kay Ivey, has sparked concerns about the political independence of the future regulatory body, as the state looks to manage a massive influx of projects in areas like Bessemer, Birmingham, Lowndes, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville.

The National Context

These local debates occur amid a wider, national push for data center development, bolstered by a recent executive order from President Trump. The Southern Company has pledged to ensure data center operators cover their own electricity costs, a move aimed at protecting average ratepayers. Still, skepticism remains high, with recent polling data indicating significant public apprehension toward the rapid expansion of AI-related infrastructure.

While the PSC continues to accept feedback through August 21, spokesperson Caleb Hicks emphasized that the commission is committed to developing transparent procedures. Citizens experiencing issues with the submission process are encouraged to reach out to the Secretary of the Commission at (334) 242-5218 for assistance.