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Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday that Chris Beeker, III, will assume the position of Public Service Commissioner for Place 2, following the resignation of his father, Chris “Chip” Beeker, Jr., due to health concerns. Beeker, III, will finish his father’s term on the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), a regulatory body overseeing utility services including electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications in the state.
Chip Beeker, Jr., who had served on the PSC since 2014, was known for his staunch advocacy for traditional energy sources like coal and his opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations, often portraying himself as a defender of Alabama’s energy independence. His tenure was marked by his efforts to fight what he called “federal overreach” and to keep energy costs low for consumers. He also consistently voted against renewable energy mandates, making his resignation a noteworthy development in Alabama’s energy policy landscape.
In her announcement, Governor Ivey praised Chris Beeker, III, for his extensive experience in both government and the private sector. Beeker, III, previously served as USDA Rural Development Director for Alabama during President Donald Trump’s administration. In that role, he facilitated significant investments in rural infrastructure projects, such as water and sewer systems, as well as economic development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Alabama’s rural communities. His prior experience also includes more than a decade in banking, finance, sales and marketing.
“Chris Beeker, III, possesses an excellent record of governmental and business experience, including heading the Alabama branch of a major federal agency through which he directed significant investments in economic development and water and sewer infrastructure improvements literally all across our state,” said Governor Ivey. “Chris understands first-hand the needs of Alabama communities and our citizens, and he will hit the ground running as Public Service Commissioner.”
Chris Beeker, III, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his father’s work and underscored his commitment to serving Alabama’s citizens.
“It is with a humble heart that I accept the appointment to finish out my father’s term as Commissioner, Place 2, for the Alabama Public Service Commission,” said Beeker. “My father’s decision did not come lightly, and I am fully aware of the great responsibility I now have to fulfill my obligations to the people of Alabama. I look forward to working with the Alabama Public Service Commission staff and meeting citizens throughout our great state as we can continue to advance Alabama to be one of the most competitive states in the nation.”
Chris Beeker, III, a native of Greene County and current resident of Tuscaloosa, earned his degree from The University of Mississippi at Oxford. He is married and has three children. His extensive background in both government and finance is expected to complement the Public Service Commission’s role in regulating utilities and ensuring that Alabama’s consumers receive reliable, affordable services.
Beeker, III, steps into a PSC still grappling with issues related to energy policy, utility rates, and the balance between traditional energy sources and renewable alternatives. His father, Chip Beeker, Jr., had been a controversial figure for his outspoken criticism of renewable energy subsidies and his promotion of coal and natural gas as the backbone of Alabama’s energy grid. Chris Beeker, III, is likely to continue in the same conservative vein, but his experience with rural infrastructure development may bring new perspectives to the table.
Chip Beeker, Jr.’s resignation and his son’s appointment come at a critical time, with discussions around renewable energy sources, grid modernization, and consumer protection likely to dominate the commission’s agenda in the coming years.
Governor Ivey’s appointment of Beeker, III, also reflects her broader strategy of ensuring continuity in conservative leadership across key state agencies, and many will be watching how the younger Beeker navigates the challenges of utility regulation while maintaining the legacy of his father’s policy positions.
With this appointment, Alabama’s Public Service Commission remains a key player in shaping the state’s energy future, and Chris Beeker, III, is set to be at the forefront of those decisions, as the state continues to grapple with the competing pressures of economic growth, environmental concerns, and the demand for affordable energy.
