HB614 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thomas JacksonRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Public Service Commission, electric companies, rate adjustments, efficiency measures

Summary

HB614 would let Alabama electric utilities recover costs and earn a 15% return from ratepayers for installing certain highly efficient voltage-regulation technologies, with approval from the Public Service Commission.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, electric utilities could recover the costs of installing eligible energy-efficient voltage-regulation technologies and earn a 15% rate of return on those investments, charged to ratepayers. Before charging customers, the projects must be reviewed and approved by the Alabama Public Service Commission. The eligible technologies must reduce energy use, improve grid efficiency, dynamically adjust voltage, and be at least 99% efficient across 90% of the load. The law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Electric utility companies—would be allowed to recover costs and earn a 15% return on eligible investments/installations, subject to PSC approval.
• Alabama ratepayers/consumers—could see charges to support these investments, with potential benefits from improved energy efficiency and grid performance.
• Alabama Public Service Commission—would review and approve qualifying projects before costs can be recovered.

Key Provisions

• Allows electric utilities to recover costs and earn a 15% rate of return from ratepayers on investments/installations of specified voltage regulation technologies, subject to PSC review and approval.
• Technologies must meet all of the following: reduce energy consumption; improve grid efficiency; raise or lower voltage dynamically; and be 99% or more efficient across at least 90% of the load curve.
• Any rate adjustments or charges to customers for these investments require PSC review and approval.
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval (or becoming law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Utilities