Small businesses save on power bills

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Thousands of small businesses that rely on Alabama Power Co. are going to get a break on their electric bills starting Jan. 1.

The Alabama Public Service Commission voted unanimously Tuesday for a rate adjustment that will save many small businesses $25 per month.

The change is a fee that businesses pay each month for being connected to Alabama Power's utility lines.

The PSC is raising the amount of electricity that a business can use at one time and be classified a small business. Some businesses now classified as medium-size businesses will become small businesses, and they will go from paying $50 a month to $25 a month.

Alabama Power spokesman Pat Wylie says the change could affect more than 22,000 small businesses.