Alabama Power Approve Rate Freeze, Solar Power for Data Center - CleanTechnica

The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a two-year rate freeze on energy prices, maintaining current rates until 2028, alongside the approval of two large-scale solar power projects to support Meta’s proposed data center in Montgomery. While the rate freeze aims to stabilize energy costs temporarily, critics argue it primarily secures continued high profits for Alabama Power without addressing the underlying issues of high energy bills faced by residents. Meta’s commitment to using clean energy for its data center marks a positive development in renewable energy adoption in the state. Environmental groups, particularly the Sierra Club, have expressed concern that the rate freeze fails to provide long-term relief for Alabama residents who already pay some of the nation’s highest energy bills. They criticize Alabama Power for continuing to profit from expensive fossil fuel projects with minimal public input and urge the PSC to pursue more comprehensive renewable energy solutions that benefit all customers. While the solar projects for Meta’s data center are seen as a step forward, advocates emphasize the need for broader access to reliable