Public Service Commissions 101 - Introduction

Public Service Commissions 101 - Introduction
Featured

Public Service Commissions 101 - Introduction

March 27, 2026 | Jamie Moody, Communications Director

Public Service Commissions shape the prices, service quality, and reliability for the energy you rely on every day. This page puts you in the loop, showing you who sits on Commissions around the Southeast, what they decide, and how you can weigh in. Learn some of the history of each PSC, understand what they regulate, and discover simple steps to comment, attend meetings, and make your voice heard. Your involvement helps keep bills fair, services dependable, and communities informed. Ready to speak up? Explore your state, find meeting times, and learn how to comment today.

 

Alabama (3 Members, Elected)

Alabama’s public utility oversight traces back to 1915, when the legislature designated the commission as the successor to the Railroad Commission of Alabama. Traditionally, the Alabama Public Service Commission (ALPSC) has consisted of three elected members—one president and two associate commissioners—working to ensure safe service at reasonable rates for investor-owned utilities and certain transportation industries. Today, the Commission regulates electricity, natural gas, landline telecommunications, private water and wastewater systems, and passenger carriers and railway safety. It does not regulate municipal electric systems like Huntsville Utilities, electric cooperatives like Joe Wheeler Electric Member Corporation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Since 1982, the ALPSC has used Rate Stabilization and Equalization (RSE) formula rates to adjust Alabama Power’s rates, rather than holding formal rate hearings. The last traditional rate case for Alabama Power occurred in 1982; after that, the Commission shifted to automated, formula-based adjustments. This year, a representative introduced legislation to require periodic rate cases again, citing frustrations with persistently high energy rates and noting that more than four decades have passed since the last rate case for Alabama Power. To understand why Alabama moved to an RSE system, it helps to see the broader political and historical context.

Inside Climate News recounts that in the 1970s, George Wallace positioned Alabama Power at the center of his populist political strategy, railing against purported “exorbitant rates” while resisting rate increases and proposed projects. His stance contributed to a regulatory climate that dragged rate hearings into protracted, months-long ordeals and made sustained coverage difficult for media outlets. In response, the RSE process was developed to prevent political brinksmanship from derailing the utility and the economy. While contentious, these rate cases have served an important purpose: they give the public a transparent view of how bills are calculated and what money pays for, helping residents understand the cost of living and the value of reliable service.

Alabama Commissioners
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., President (Term began 2024, ends 2028. Almond was appointed as a replacement for Twinkle Cavanaugh)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Place 1 (Term began 2022, ends 2026. Oden is running for re-election.)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Place 2 (Term began 2022, ends 2026. Beeker is running for re-election.)
  • Facebook Page for the Alabama Public Service Commission
  • Livestream link  |  YouTube past meetings
  • Meeting schedule for 2026
  • Consumer Services 


Arkansas (3 Members, Appointed)

Ensuring that public utilities provide safe, adequate and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates are the primary responsibilities of the Arkansas PSC (ArkPSC). All three Arkansas Commissioners are appointed by the Governor. Each Commissioner serves a six-year term; terms among Commissioners are staggered to ensure continuity. Created by the General Assembly, the Arkansas PSC regulates the service and rates of utilities within its jurisdiction, including natural gas, water, electric, pipeline safety, telephone, and transportation network services. Regulating public utilities requires balancing competing interests. The Arkansas PSC must permit utilities a fair return on investment while also safeguarding the public from paying more than necessary to support that return.

Arkansas Commissioners 


Georgia (5 Members, Elected)

In Georgia, five elected Commissioners - supported by a staff of approximately 85 people - make the decisions that affect the lives of everyone in the Peach State each time a light switch is flipped on. The five Commissioners are elected statewide and serve staggered six-year terms. The chairman is elected by the Commission to serve a two-year term with the opportunity for re-election to an additional two-year term. 

If you are more familiar with the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) than with your own state’s public service commission, that’s probably thanks to the 2025 election of Democrats Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson who delivered an upset during Georgia’s off-year special election in November, defeating two Republican incumbents on the Commission. The victory marked the first time the Democratic Party won statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and has sent shockwaves across the Southeast as “affordability” in regard to utility rates has become a hot topic for political candidates and now, PSC reform is setting up in Alabama and Kentucky.

Georgia Commissioners
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Chairman, District 1 (Elected in 2020, term ends in 2028.)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Vice Chairman, District 4 (Elected in 2020, term ends in 2028.)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. District 3 (Elected in 2025, term ends in 2027. )
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. District 2 (Elected in 2025, term ends in 2030.)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. District 5 (Elected in 2018, term ends in 2026.)
  • YouTube page & Livestream link
  • Commission calendar for 2026
  • Submit Public Comments form

 

Kentucky (3 Members, Appointed)

In Kentucky, the Public Service Commission is a three-member body that regulates more than 1,100 investor-owned, cooperative, and district utility providers - including electric, natural gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications - to ensure safe, adequate and reasonable service at fair rates. The Kentucky PSC is funded by assessments paid by the utility companies it regulates, rather than tax dollars. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms.

Like Alabama, Kentucky is seeing legislation aimed at changing the structure of the Commission. Proposed legislation would expand the body to five members, with two appointments being made by the Auditor. Additionally, the PSC would be moved under the Auditor’s office, giving the Governor’s office less control over the commission. 

Kentucky Commissioners
  • Angie C. Hatton, Chair (Tenure: 2023 - 2029)
  • Mary Regan, Commissioner (Tenure: 2022 - 2027)
  • Andrew Wood, Commissioner (Tenure: 2025 - 2028)

 
Louisiana (5 Members, Elected)

Article VI, Section 3-9 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1921, succeeding the former Railroad Commission of Louisiana, originally created the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). The Commission’s five elected Commissioners and regulatory staff provide a thorough but efficient regulatory process that is fair, open, encourages public participation, and anticipates the demands of an ever evolving regulatory environment. Specifically, the Commission exercises regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities providing electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and certain telecommunications services in Louisiana. 

The LPSC also regulates certain common carrier intrastate pipelines, and motor carriers providing the following intrastate services: certain passenger carriers, waste haulers, household goods movers and non-consensual towing and recovery services. Municipally owned and operated utilities, like Lafayette Utilities System, are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Incidentally, the LPSC has other regulatory authority as granted by the Louisiana Legislature - specifically including the “Telephonic Solicitation Relief Act,” which you may know as the “Do Not Call” program.

Louisiana Commissioners
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., District 1 (Elected in 2009, term ends in 2026)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., District 2 (Elected in 2025, term ends in 2030)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., District 3 (Elected in 2022, term ends in 2028)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., District 4 (Elected in 2017, term ends in 2028)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., District 5 (Elected in 2003, term ends in 2026)
  • Livestream link
  • Commission meeting calendar for 2026
  • Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

 

Mississippi (3 Members, Elected)

In Mississippi, the Public Service Commission regulates telecommunications, electric, gas, water and sewer utilities. The agency is charged with assuring that rates and charges for services are just and reasonable, that the service rendered is reasonably adequate, and that any facilities constructed or acquired are required for the convenience and necessity of the public. Additionally, the agency exercises safety jurisdiction over gas pipelines and has area jurisdiction over all public utilities. In carrying out its responsibilities, the commission answers complaints, makes investigations and conducts both formal and informal hearings.

Mississippi Commissioners

 

Tennessee (8 Members, Appointed)

TPUC, or the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, sets the rates and service standards for privately owned telephone, natural gas, water, wastewater and electric utilities. Each utility must appear before the TPUC for rate changes and all other requests for said business. TPUC was originally established in 1996 as the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. In 2017, Governor Bill Haslam signed legislation to change the name to TPUC to better align with regulatory industry standards. Commissioners serve staggered, six-year terms.

TPUC has very little oversight of electricity issues in Tennessee. For instance, TPUC does not regulate municipal utilities like Memphis Light Gas & Water, nor cooperative utilities like Middle Tennessee Electric. These publicly-owned distribution utilities each have their own independent boards of directors or councils to manage the utilities.   The TPUC also does not regulate the Tennessee Valley Authority, which has its own separate Board of Directors. The nine TVA Board of Directors are appointed by the President of the United States,and confirmed by the United States Senate. TVA provides most of the electric generation and transmission services across the TVA region, including Tennessee.

Tennessee Commissioners
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2022 - 2028)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2021 - 2027)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2018 - 2030)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2009 - 2026)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2012 - 2029)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2012 - 2030)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Tenure: 2013 - 2026)
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Executive Director (Tenure: 2012 - 2027)
    • *all Commissioners can be contacted through Ashlee Hatfield, Executive Administrative Assistant
  • TPUC upcoming events
public service commission

Powering Arkansas

The coming years will test our state’s electric grid. Powering Arkansas is a nonpartisan coalition of Arkansans united to engage and empower voices across The Natural State who support utility-scale renewable energy developments. Our mission is simple: accelerate energy growth in Arkansas by connecting people who understand that a modern, reliable grid requires local, scalable solutions.

If you agree that we need to move every available electron we can get onto the grid to build a future for Arkansas where energy is homegrown, reliable, and abundant, Powering Arkansas invites you to join us. This is about real progress, real collaboration, and real results. It's about lower bills, local jobs, and a more resilient grid for tomorrow. We can pursue practical policies that streamline permitting while encouraging investment in our rural communities.

Together, we will drive the energy future Arkansas deserves.

Icon with three men

Challenge Misinformation

Powering Arkansas partners with communities across the state to counter misinformation about renewable energy and to support community leaders in crafting clear, practical language for advocating when wind or solar projects come to their areas.

Icon with clipboard and checkmark

Coalition Building

Powering Arkansas believes lasting change comes from uniting communities, policymakers, and industry partners to advocate for transparent, evidence-based renewable energy policies. By forming broad coalitions across the state, we advance practical, affordable power solutions that protect everyday Arkansans.

Icon with dartboard and dart in the center

Take Action

Powering Arkansas champions policies that grow renewable energy and shield the industry from harmful legislation. We work to ensure practical siting guidelines, reliable bonding standards, and clear decommissioning processes so projects can thrive in communities across the state.