Governor Ivey has appointed four new members to the Alabama Public Service Commission, including a former University of Alabama Student Government Association President. Demarcus Joiner, an Associate at Maynard Nexsen, has prior experience working in public policy through his time at the University of Alabama System.

Other appointees include Ron Burgess, a retired three-star general and former Executive Vice President at Auburn University, and Fred Johnson, an expert in rural telecommunications and electric distribution. The fourth appointee was not specified in the source article.

Commission Expansion and Rate Freeze

The four new positions were created during the spring legislative session, which also implemented a three-year freeze on utility rates. While advertised as a consumer protection measure, critics argue that it locks in place some of the highest power rates in the country, blocking the PSC from voting to cut electricity costs.

Current PSC President Cynthia Lee Almond will be the only returning member next year, as the two incumbent members lost their races in the primaries. Governor Ivey stated that she expects the new appointees to serve with honesty and integrity.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.