Alabama Public Service Commissioner (Place No. 1) Jeremy H. Oden (R) has announced his plans to seek reelection to the Commission. Oden – who is completing his second full term on the state’s utility regulatory board – has served as the Place No. 1 Commissioner since his appointment in December 2012; he was elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018.
“It has been such an honor to serve the people of Alabama as their place one commissioner. We have accomplished a great deal, particularly in the past couple of years. I am a Christian, a husband, a father, and a pastor. I am a strong lifelong conservative Republican. It is a privilege to serve others, including y’all in this state.” Oden stated.
Previously, Oden served as a state representative representing Cullman, Morgan and Blount Counties. Oden was first elected in 1998 and subsequently reelected in 2002, 2006 and 2010. In the Alabama House of Representatives, Oden was a member of the powerful Ways and Means – Education Finance Committee, where he built a reputation as a leader on educational and financial issues in the state. He was recognized by his colleagues as an outstanding legislative leader.
As a Public Service Commissioner, Oden continued this strong leadership and is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally as an outstanding leader in energy, economic development and regulatory policy. Oden serves Alabamians in multiple roles throughout the state, the southeastern region, nationally and internationally. He served as president of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC), hosting hundreds from around the region and country at the Alabama Gulf State Park at the SEARUC meeting.
He currently serves on SEARUC’s Executive Committee and as its Treasurer. Nationally, Oden serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Directors Board and served as past chairman of the NARUC Clean Coal and Carbon Management Committee, as the Past Chair of the Center for Partnership & Innovation, and currently serves on NARUC’s Electricity Committee. In 2018 he was chosen by the Department of Energy to represent the United States energy sector to China and Japan on regulatory energy production, clean fossil and clean energy solutions. He was appointed by President Donald J. Trump and the DOE Secretary to the National Coal Council where he currently serves. He was selected by President Trump as one of the 15 members of the President Donald Trump 2020 Victory Leadership team.
“I love working with energy and the different aspects of regulation and policy. The one thing I can say is I like to work, and sometimes I may get too involved in the details. I do the job that Alabamians sent me to do. The fine line at the Public Service Commission is providing reliable, stabile regulation at the lowest cost for the ratepayer.”
In the private sector, Oden worked in the financial industry as Vice President for EvaBank. He was a small business owner, primarily involved in the construction industry. Oden is a proud Christian and an ordained minister. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and has completed two years of post-graduate college studies. He has been recognized with multiple awards for his leadership and service.
Commissioner Jeremy H. Oden lives in the Vinemont-Eva area with his wife and daughter.
