New Leadership at Alabama’s Public Service Commission: Cynthia Lee Almond Takes Charge
Cynthia Lee Almond has been sworn in as the new president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), marking a significant leadership change for the state’s chief utility regulator. Almond, who previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives and on the Tuscaloosa City Council, replaces Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, who left to join the Trump administration.
At 60, Almond steps into a role that governs essential services including electricity, gas, and telecommunications rates, impacting major providers like Alabama Power and Spire. In her first interview, Almond acknowledged the steep learning curve ahead but expressed a commitment to understanding utility regulations fully. "You can’t make decisions about this if you don’t really understand it," she stated.
Almond’s predecessor, Cavanaugh, faced criticism for her management style and controversial decisions, including the approval of fees for rooftop solar projects that advocates claim hampered market growth. Almond aims to approach her new position with a focus on gathering facts and fostering communication across the spectrum of stakeholders, including utilities and environmental groups.
Governor Kay Ivey praised Almond’s proven leadership skills and expressed confidence in her ability to serve the state effectively. While Almond intends to maintain many of the current practices at the PSC initially, she acknowledges the potential for gradual changes. "I want to start out continuing the practices… until we figure out if that’s a good thing," she commented.
Almond plans to split her time between working from her Tuscaloosa law office and the PSC in Montgomery, emphasizing a balance between regulation and affordability for Alabamians. As she navigates the complexities of her new role, attention will be focused on whether her leadership will shift the PSC’s historically favorable stance towards utility companies.
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