Public Service Commission; provide for appointment of commissioners by Governor, commission duties revised

SB 268 changes how Alabama's Public Service Commission (PSC) is governed. It shifts commissioners from elected positions to appointments by the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore (with Senate confirmation), starting after the 2026 election. The bill also expands conflict-of-interest rules to cover nonutility groups involved in PSC matters, requires quarterly public meetings with utility representatives to discuss industry trends, and prohibits utility customers from paying for lobbying expenses related to PSC proceedings. These changes directly affect PSC commissioners, utility companies, and ratepayers in Alabama.