Montgomery Electric & Gas Rate Rules for Businesses

Utilities and Infrastructure Alabama 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama businesses rely on clear rules for electric and gas service, rate schedules, and dispute resolution. This guide explains where rates are set or approved, who enforces compliance, how to read tariff schedules, and practical steps for filing complaints or applying for commercial rate classes. It covers municipal ordinance pathways and the state regulator role so business owners know whether to contact the City of Montgomery or the Alabama Public Service Commission for billing, service or franchise issues.

Penalties & Enforcement

Authority and enforcement depend on the provider. Investor-owned utilities are regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission; municipal ordinances and franchise conditions affecting service, poles or rights-of-way are enforced by the City of Montgomery. For local ordinance text see the city code linked below Montgomery Code of Ordinances[1]. For utility complaints and enforcement filings, contact the Alabama Public Service Commission consumer office Alabama PSC Consumer Affairs[2]. For business rate schedules and filings from a major supplier see Alabama Power's business pages Alabama Power[3].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Alabama Public Service Commission for investor-owned utilities; City departments for municipal code violations.
  • Complaint pathway: file with the utility first, then the PSC for unresolved disputes; use the PSC consumer complaint resources linked above PSC Consumer Affairs[2].
  • Appeals and review: administrative review processes handled by the PSC or local administrative hearings; specific time limits not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, service adjustments, or court actions may be used; specifics depend on the enforcing authority and are not specified on the cited pages.
File billing disputes promptly to preserve review rights.

Applications & Forms

For consumer complaints with investor-owned utilities, use the Alabama PSC consumer complaint process available on its site. Local forms for municipal franchise or code enforcement matters, if any, are published on the City of Montgomery official pages or in the municipal code.

How rates are set for businesses

Business rate classes, demand charges, rider schedules, and negotiated service agreements are set by each supplier and, where applicable, approved by the PSC. Commercial customers should request the utility's commercial tariff schedule and any available economic development or large load contracts. Contact the supplier's business service team to request written tariff pages and ask for the tariff or contract reference number when discussing changes.

Always request the tariff page number and effective date when you ask for rate information.

Common Violations

  • Failure to comply with franchise or right-of-way conditions.
  • Unauthorized connections or meter tampering.
  • Failure to pay commercial utility bills or refused access for inspections.

FAQ

Who regulates business electric and gas rates in Montgomery?
The Alabama Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned utilities; the City of Montgomery enforces municipal ordinances and franchise terms for municipally related matters.
How do I dispute a commercial bill?
Contact the utility's business service team, document your dispute in writing, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the Alabama PSC consumer affairs office using their online process.
Where can I find the tariff or rate schedule?
Request the commercial tariff from your utility; large-customer contracts are typically available by request and may be filed with the PSC or referenced in the municipal franchise documents.

How-To

  1. Locate your supplier and request the commercial tariff or rate schedule in writing.
  2. Contact the utility's business service or account manager to review charges and ask for the tariff page number and effective date.
  3. Gather documentation: bills, meter readings, and communications; then submit a written dispute to the utility.
  4. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Alabama Public Service Commission using its consumer complaint resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Investor-owned utility rates are state-regulated; municipal ordinances cover local franchise and right-of-way matters.
  • Document disputes promptly and ask for tariff reference numbers and effective dates.
  • Use the Alabama PSC consumer process if the utility does not resolve a commercial billing dispute.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Montgomery Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] Alabama Public Service Commission - Consumer Affairs
  3. [3] Alabama Power - Business Services

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