Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is called the “Working Commissioner” because she comes to work each day striving to keep Alabama’s utility rates some of the lowest in the nation. She has a three pronged approach to regulating utilities. Twinkle insists on reasonable rates and reliable utilities for consumers, which facilitates recruiting jobs to our Great State. During her term in office she has achieved many accomplishments, some of which include:
- Sponsoring and passing a strong Ethics Policy,
- Demonstrating her commitment to reducing the size of state government by reducing the size of the Commission by about 20% and concentrating the talent within the Agency by creating a stand alone Electricity Division,
- Saving tax payers money by refusing a state car and all other perks associated with her office,
- Promoting business incentives that help small businesses thrive and encourage development of new businesses in Alabama,
- Consistently taking the EPA to task on their over-reaching regulations,
- Pushing for time of use rates that allow customers an additional way to achieve savings in their home utility bills,
- Actively working with Alabama’s farmers to keep their utility costs down,
- Offering encouragement to victims of the devastating storms that occurred in Alabama.
Twinkle brings to the Public Service Commission a diverse background in public service, conservative policy-making, and small business. Twinkle has been active in public service for many years. She served in Governor Riley’s cabinet as Senior Advisor, and also developed extensive experience in dealing with national issues while working for former Congressman Sonny Callahan. A deep-rooted commitment to conservative causes and policy is prevalent throughout Twinkle’s work experience. She worked at the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. She served as Executive Director of the Alabama Republican Party, and later became the first female Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.
Twinkle also served as the State Director of Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE), a national organization promoting lower taxes for American families. At CSE, she worked to push President Bush’s tax cuts through Congress. During her tenure at CSE, she also helped cities and towns across Alabama stop tax increases and fought for tougher tort reform laws. Having owned several small businesses, Twinkle understands the challenges facing small businesses and Alabama families.
Twinkle is a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband have three children. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, and they are involved in numerous community organizations.