Alabama utility regulatory board

Alabama's utility regulators can continue to hold closed-door meetings to determine price hikes, in an apparent departure from common practices in neighboring states, a circuit court judge ruled. The decision rejected a lawsuit filed by Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Energy Alabama, a nonprofit that advocates for renewable energy sources.

Last month, Alabama and surrounding states recorded sweltering hot temperatures. Companies such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) also recorded heavy power usages for the month of June due to more people turning their thermostats down.

Regulators have unanimously approved an additional 6% rate increase to pay for remaining costs at Georgia Power Company's Plant Vogtle. The rate increase is projected to add $8.95 a month to a typical residential customer's current monthly bill of $157. Some Alabama electricity providers have contracted to buy power from Vogtle.

Alabama Power customers are getting a refund this summer. Al.com reports the Alabama Public Service Commission approved the refund to be paid to eligible customers in August.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed six long-waiting nominees by President Joe Biden to the board of the nation's largest public utility. The vote sets up a new majority with Biden's picks.

The state's utility regulatory board has scheduled three meetings focusing on the rates for Alabama Power Co. The Public Service Commission says the…