Alabama’s Twinkle Cavanaugh Takes Federal Role Amid Controversial PSC Tenure

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Twinkle Cavanaugh, the longtime president of Alabama‘s Public Service Commission (PSC), will soon join the Trump administration as the state director for rural development. Cavanaugh’s last day at the PSC will be June 1.

Her appointment was announced by the federal Department of Agriculture, which praised Cavanaugh as an experienced administrator and a proven vote-getter. Cavanaugh first gained statewide recognition in 2010, and in 2020, she received more votes than any non-presidential candidate in Alabama’s history.

In a social media post, Cavanaugh aligned her tenure with the Trump agenda, highlighting her efforts to expand Alabama’s fossil fuel infrastructure and combat what she describes as “misguided liberal mandates.” She stated, “Together, we brought natural gas to poultry farmers in east Alabama, helping to sustain the agriculture industry which feeds our families.”

During her 13 years at the PSC, Cavanaugh oversaw several electricity rate increases for Alabama Power customers. Alabama Power serves about 1.4 million customers and is viewed as a powerful entity in state politics. Critics allege that all rate increases were approved without formal hearings, a protocol common in other states.

Early in her PSC leadership, Cavanaugh dismissed calls for formal rate hearings, framing such requests as part of an “Obama war on coal.” She also urged Alabama residents to pray against federal regulations affecting coal-fired power plants.

Alabama Republicans, including Sen. Katie Britt, expressed support for Cavanaugh’s new role. Britt cited both Cavanaugh and recently appointed Farm Service Agency executive director Monica Carroll as champions for Alabama’s farmers.

Meanwhile, the Alabama Democratic Party criticized Cavanaugh’s record, emphasizing the potential harm caused by her repeated approval of rate hikes. Tabitha Isner, vice chair of the party, stated, “The job of the Public Service Commission is to serve the public, not serve the profits of the power companies.”

Cavanaugh faced a significant write-in campaign during her last election, gathering over 42,000 votes against her, more than any other candidate that year. Political observers noted that dissatisfaction with rising energy costs likely contributed to this opposition.

In her upcoming role, Cavanaugh will manage loan and grant programs aimed at improving rural areas in Alabama. Some experts believe her departure from the PSC might reflect her reaching the peak of her influence in state politics.

The Alabama Public Service Commission will soon need to appoint a new member to fill Cavanaugh’s vacancy until her term ends in November 2028. Governor Kay Ivey is expected to announce a replacement shortly. This marks Ivey’s second appointment to the three-member commission.

Energy advocates see this transition as a critical moment for Alabama’s utility regulation landscape. Daniel Tait, executive director of Energy Alabama, stated, “The right leadership on the Public Service Commission can help unlock new economic opportunities and lower costs for families.”