Alabama Power’s Solar Projects Approved in Controversial Fast Track

BREAKING: New revelations raise critical questions about the rapid approval of Alabama Power’s SR Stockton I and II solar projects, which moved from submission to approval in less than three weeks. The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) has asserted that the review process began earlier than what was documented, igniting concerns over transparency and regulatory compliance.

The PSC’s recent statement, responding to an investigation by NBC 15, claims that Alabama Power made an earlier submission on October 1, 2025, which allegedly satisfied the required 30-day notice for project approvals. However, the Commission’s own December 2, 2025, final order states that the official proposal was submitted on November 12, 2025, with staff completing their review just seven days later.

The order explicitly mandates that “all such information” related to project details and supporting analysis must be submitted at least 30 days before the Commission meeting. Yet, it only references the November 12 submission as the operative filing. Legal experts emphasize that the PSC should be bound by its final order, which does not mention any October submission meeting the 30-day requirement.

KEY ISSUE: The critical question now is how the PSC interprets the term “information” within its own regulations. The December order anchors the approval process to the November 12 filing, raising doubts about whether the earlier submission contained full project details or whether important information was withheld until November.

As community opposition in Baldwin County grows—where residents claim they were unaware of the solar projects until after significant regulatory decisions were made—the implications of this fast-tracked approval could be far-reaching. The Stockton projects involve substantial, long-term financial commitments and infrastructure development linked to a subsidiary of Meta Platforms.

NBC 15 has requested additional documentation regarding the October 1 submission, including details about what was filed and how it compares to the November submission. The PSC has yet to address these inquiries, leaving many unanswered questions about the integrity of the approval process.

With the controversy unfolding, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether the Commission’s actions adhere to established guidelines. The urgency of this matter has sparked discussions about transparency in regulatory processes and the potential impacts on local communities.

NEXT STEPS: Expect further developments as NBC 15 continues to investigate this issue and as public scrutiny intensifies. The future of the solar projects—and the associated benefits and opposition—remains uncertain as the PSC navigates these allegations.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.