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Agenda

The Alabama Public Service Commission is the legislated body whose primary role is to regulate utilities for the benefit of consumers. The PSC has three members, each elected statewide to four-year terms. John seeks PSC Place 1. To approve PSC policies and regulations two commissioners must agree. John pledges to work hard with fellow commissioners to ensure Alabama consumers get . . .

Affordability

We all need affordable, dependable utilities. At the same time, utility stockholders are due reasonable returns. Above all, consumers deserve utility regulation grounded in accurate data, rigorous analysis, and fair judgment. Target policies:

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  • Set utility rates and profits no higher than southeastern averages 

  • Contain costs by requiring Alabama Power Company to maintain adequate--but not excessive--generating capacity in line with industry standards

  • Promote distributed power generation to reduce need for expensive centralized generation​

Sustainability

Smart energy offers reliability, redundancy, interoperability, and greater use of sustainable, low-carbon energy resources. We need to adapt energy systems to encourage and align with sustainable sources in Alabama and beyond. One vital need: an up-to-date electrical grid in step with national grid improvements. Target policies:

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  • End Alabama Power connection surcharge for rooftop solar

  • Raise Alabama Power "net metering" credit for rooftop solar generation

  • Require Alabama Power to build a rooftop solar sales/installation division with annual installation goals and low-interest financing for home and business owners

  • Ensure modern grid upgrades for flexibility and interoperability

  • Require utility incentives for localized conservation (insulation, windows, etc.)

Accountability

The people of Alabama deserve open, transparent PSC processes and decision-making. Open government ensures accountability, both by the PSC and its regulated utilities. But beyond that, fully open government invites collaborative problem-solving. It builds public understanding, confidence, and support when change is necessary. John pledges to insist on PSC openness to the full extent permitted by law. Target policies:

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  • Set periodic rate case proceedings with sworn expert testimony

  • Post all PSC/staff deliberations (in person or virtual) with utility officers/staff, open to the public

  • Require County Commission and/or Municipal public reviews of major energy project placements

  • Create PSC ombudsman office to help ratepayers resolve utility billing disputes

Why trust John?

​John is a veteran school administrator skilled in tackling and solving public sector problems at the state and local levels. Before his education career, John reported and edited for daily and weekly newspapers. In both careers, he pursued existing and in-person research to make fact-driven decisions. He prizes stakeholder collaboration, especially in strategic planning. Before and after retirement, John's past and present community activities speak to his love of Alabama and his belief that good citizenship requires service to the common good. 

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  • Retired educator: Head of Alabama School of Fine Arts (1997-2011), former Associate Commissioner for Kentucky Department of Education, Assistant Superintendent Atlanta Public Schools, administrator for Riverside Unified School District (CA) and Tucson Unified School District (AZ)

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  • Former journalist: Birmingham News, Birmingham Post-Herald, Birmingham Reporter, Samoa News (Pago Pago)

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  • Graduate: Andalusia High School (1968), Birmingham-Southern College (1972), Harvard Graduate School of Education (1980,1994), Leadership Alabama, Leadership Birmingham

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  • Community engagement: Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, Homewood Environmental Commission, YMBC Civic Forum (Birmingham), Alabama Arise, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, Transit Citizens Advisory Board to Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, Action Coalition for Transit (ACT) in Alabama

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  • Published author: Mayor Todd (drama) and photo/verse books with wife Ericka: Animal Impressions, Postings, Water

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  • Personal: Wife Ericka, sons Matt and Tom. Interests include photography and outdoors

From the candidate . . .

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Forward to an affordable,

sustainable Alabama!

 

The analysis is clear: In Alabama--one of the poorest states--most of us pay more for electricity than the national average. In particular, Alabama Power Company rates and profits need much more aggressive policing by a PSC that puts consumers first.

 

Science too is clear: A broad-front cut in carbon emissions is vital to protect our children and grandchildren from further global warming and catastrophic climate costs. Even if some carbon-based energy remains necessary into the distant future, every person, organization, and institution worldwide must think hard how best to advance to more sustainable, low-carbon energy sources.

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And here's good news: A thoughtful shift to low-carbon energy can help all of us save money--even consumers who continue to rely on traditional carbon-fueled generation! That's because a key driver of utility rates is the cost of utility infrastructure. As energy needs grow--especially for power-hog AI data centers--utility capacity and infrastructure must grow to meet demand. Data centers should pay their own full power costs. And promoting rooftop solar will help limit new central generating costs necessarily passed on to ratepayers. 

 

Utilities share responsibility for an affordable, livable future. Our Public Service Commission should play a decisive, in-public role in setting utility goals and expectations with broad collaboration among stakeholders.

 

Do you want a voice on the PSC demanding consumer-friendly energy policy, strategy, and investment? If so, I need your support! Please share word of my candidacy with family, friends, and others. Invite me to speak at your club, church, or other civic organization anywhere in Alabama.

 

And as you can, please give to John Northrop for PSC! We expect no big donations in this campaign. It will take a multitude of small gifts to fund even a modest operation. Yet regardless of funding, I'm committed to carrying the message as far and wide as possible. I hope you're with me! 

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Web site paid for by:

John Northrop for PSC

P. O. Box 43057

Vestavia Hills, AL   35243

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johnnorthropforpsc@gmail.com

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Facebook: John Northrop for PSC

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