OverviewThe Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) is an independent regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest by assuring safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services for Louisiana public utilities. The LPSC sets utility rates for the majority of Louisiana residents. They also regulate water, gas, telecommunication and intrastate transportation.
Every state has a Public Service Commission (PSC) which has regulatory authority over utilities. Most states also designate and fund a consumer advocate to act as an independent ratepayer advocate. Louisiana is one of 3 states (along with Georgia, and Idaho) in the US that does not have a consumer advocate designated and funded by the government. AAE is the only dedicated consumer advocate in Louisiana for utility customers. We advocate for Louisiana ratepayers and all residents of our state at the LPSC by monitoring LPSC proceedings, intervening in dockets, and even making recommendations to individual commissioners. 
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Use the button above to check out our briefing statement for the 2022 LPSC elections that highlights some of the things that anyone interested in serving as a Commissioner should be aware of. Plus, learn more about the LPSC and get up to date on current and past LPSC dockets below!
2022 LPSC Districts 3 & 4 Elections
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Elections are over and you might be wondering who was elected to represent Louisianans at the Public Service Commission (LPSC)? District 4 was decided on November 8 and incumbent Mike Francis was re-elected to the Commission. District 3 was decided on December 10 and challenger Davante Lewis was elected to the Commission.
Over the last 4 months Louisianans have been involved in choosing who will represent them, but now the work really begins. The LPSC is a powerful government body that makes real decisions about your energy bills. Learn about what the LPSC does, important issues anyone interested in serving as a Commissioner should be aware of, and everything you need to know about elections and voting on our page. |
Engage with the LPSC
Decisions at the LPSC are generally made through a docketed process, allowing for stakeholder involvement. Dockets are published in the Official Bulletin and are open for Intervention by "Stakeholders." Just about anyone can be a stakeholder, but there is a process to get on the list. Want to get involved? Learn more about how to engage at the LPSC on our page.
Monthly Meetings Schedule
The LPSC holds monthly Business & Executive meetings with all 5 elected Commissioners to vote on items ready for decision. These meetings are open to the public and all members of the public are encouraged to join!
LPSC meeting are usually held at the Galvez Building in Baton Rouge. In 2021, the LPSC began livestreaming their regular meetings on their Youtube Channel, increasing public access to these important meetings. Follow us on social media @all4energy to get reminders and stay informed about upcoming LPSC meetings.
LPSC meeting are usually held at the Galvez Building in Baton Rouge. In 2021, the LPSC began livestreaming their regular meetings on their Youtube Channel, increasing public access to these important meetings. Follow us on social media @all4energy to get reminders and stay informed about upcoming LPSC meetings.
Stay up to date on the LPSC!
LPSC Teach-In |
October 2, 2020 Climate Forum |
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Check out the recording of our LPSC Teach-In from February 22nd, 2022. We'll cover what the LPSC is, who it's made up of, and why you should care. Want a RPS in LA? That'll come from the LPSC. More renewable energy on the grid? Again, a LPSC decision. What about Energy Efficiency programs or even an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard? Look toward the LPSC!
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Watch our candidate forum for the November 3, 2020 election, focused on climate issues in southeast Louisiana. We are inviting candidates for US Senate, House of Representatives and Louisiana Public Service Commission. We will also discuss Louisiana Constitutional amendment 5. Audience questions will be taken.
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Structure and History
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The LPSC consists of 5 elected Commissioners from 5 respective districts across the state. Commissioners serve 6-year terms, with a 3-term limit. That can add up to 18 years, which makes these very powerful positions.
These public officials are allowed to accept campaign contributions directly from the utilities and motor carriers they regulate. The overall goals of the Commission are to ensure a regulatory balance that enables utilities to provide customers with safe, adequate and reliable service, at rates that are just and reasonable, equitable and economically efficient, and that allow utilities an opportunity to earn a fair rate of return on their investment. |
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More on The Specifics
The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) regulates nearly all of Louisiana's utilities - including Entergy Louisiana LLC, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), and Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC (CLECO). The Commission has jurisdiction over Investor-Owned utilities and Electric Cooperatives, but not Municipally owned utilities.
Why is the LPSC important?
The companies under the Commission’s jurisdiction must obtain approval before:
The LPSC has sole jurisdiction for utility regulation on the state level, but several agencies on the federal level perform similar regulatory functions. These include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Department of Energy. The LPSC works with these agencies through its Legal Department.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) regulates nearly all of Louisiana's utilities - including Entergy Louisiana LLC, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), and Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC (CLECO). The Commission has jurisdiction over Investor-Owned utilities and Electric Cooperatives, but not Municipally owned utilities.
Why is the LPSC important?
- They set utility rates for the majority of Louisiana residents
- They have authority to approve or deny nearly all resource additions, like a new gas plant or solar farm
- They are responsible for implementing our energy efficiency programs
- They decide on the value of residential rooftop solar, through net metering policies
- They determine what storm costs were prudently incurred by utilities in their jurisdiction, and how those costs will be recovered from customers
- They have the authority to authorize or deny eminent domain as it pertains to intrastate pipelines
- They also regulate water, gas, telecommunication and intrastate transportation
The companies under the Commission’s jurisdiction must obtain approval before:
- Instituting new rates
- Undertaking major construction projects, such as transmission lines, power plants, solar farms, etc.
- Issuing stocks and bonds
- Transferring assets
The LPSC has sole jurisdiction for utility regulation on the state level, but several agencies on the federal level perform similar regulatory functions. These include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the Department of Energy. The LPSC works with these agencies through its Legal Department.
Commission Members
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For contact information on the commissioners, click on their respective name:
District 1 - Commissioner Eric Skrmetta District 2 - Commissioner Craig Greene District 3 - Commissioner Davante Lewis District 4 - Commissioner Mike Francis District 5 - Commissioner Foster L. Campbell To find your Public Service Commission district:
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Open LPSC Dockets
The AAE has compiled and summarized information about open LPSC Dockets below
You can also use the LPSC Docket Portal to find related documents
This is a list of select open dockets The Alliance is involved in. Please note this is not a complete list of all open LPSC dockets.
Docket No. R-36226 & R-36227: Evaluation & Assessment of Louisiana’s Electric Infrastructure
OPENED 12/23/21
Following recent extreme weather events in Louisiana, Commission staff was directed to open two rulemakings, including R-36226, to evaluate the status of our electric infrastructure including maintenance and whether more could have been done for Louisiana customers. Similarly, R-36227 will look into resiliency and the possibility of hardening our grid for future storms.
Docket No. R-31106: Energy Efficiency
OPENED 8/5/09
The Louisiana Public Service Commission is finally firming up rules for mature energy efficiency programs across the state. Louisiana residents currently use 30% more electricity per household than the average American. We are advocating for the state to adopt rules that would dramatically cut our energy waste for all customers, which would mitigate the need for new gas-fired power plants.
Read our Energy Efficiency 1-pager and the highlights of Louisiana's EE Quick Start Program Year 3.
In this docket the LPSC will work with stakeholders to develop and decide how to implement long-term energy efficiency programs in Louisiana. This proceeding will decide if programs are mandatory or voluntary for utilities to offer their customers, whether or not low income programs are specifically included, and will likely include an energy savings goal among other things. The Alliance is in full support of mandatory programs, with a low-income carve out and an aggressive energy savings goal.
View Documents
Read our Energy Efficiency 1-pager and the highlights of Louisiana's EE Quick Start Program Year 3.
In this docket the LPSC will work with stakeholders to develop and decide how to implement long-term energy efficiency programs in Louisiana. This proceeding will decide if programs are mandatory or voluntary for utilities to offer their customers, whether or not low income programs are specifically included, and will likely include an energy savings goal among other things. The Alliance is in full support of mandatory programs, with a low-income carve out and an aggressive energy savings goal.
View Documents
Docket No. R-35462: Customer Centered Options
OPENED 1/9/20
Yes, 2020 might be the year to really shake things up at the Commission. With a fleet of aging power plants in the state, the LPSC needs to put all options on the table to mitigate significant bill increases that could result from a whole new fleet of power plants. It’s time to evaluate all of our existing resources, and think outside of the box.
This rulemaking docket was opened in January to Research and Evaluate Customer-Centered Options for all Electric Customer Classes as well as Other Regulatory Environments.
As an intervenor in this docket The Alliance is pushing to:
The phrase customer-centered options implies customer choice, and while the LPSC is addressing specific customer-centered options like energy efficiency and green tariffs in concurrent dockets, this docket serves as an opportunity to have a more robust conversation regarding energy regulation. Should Louisiana move to full retail choice for all customer classes, what mandates shall be placed on utilities to divest of generation? Further, should utilities have an obligation to meet defined goals to reduce demand in an effort to mitigate costs?
This rulemaking docket was opened in January to Research and Evaluate Customer-Centered Options for all Electric Customer Classes as well as Other Regulatory Environments.
As an intervenor in this docket The Alliance is pushing to:
- Mitigate the need for expensive, new generation
- Ensure residential customers do not experience bill impacts related to customer options
- Allow more customer and community owned resources
- Research new ways to access renewables for all Customers
- Develop rules, regulations, or policies that allow customers more choices
The phrase customer-centered options implies customer choice, and while the LPSC is addressing specific customer-centered options like energy efficiency and green tariffs in concurrent dockets, this docket serves as an opportunity to have a more robust conversation regarding energy regulation. Should Louisiana move to full retail choice for all customer classes, what mandates shall be placed on utilities to divest of generation? Further, should utilities have an obligation to meet defined goals to reduce demand in an effort to mitigate costs?
Docket No. R-35423: Green Tariff Options
OPENED 11/26/19
Green Tariffs can work really well and have multiple benefits including incorporating more renewable energy into the grid, attracting more commercial businesses, while keeping costs low. Some folks are willing to spend a couple dollars more a month for the right to clean energy’s attributes, some aren’t. A renewable option allows for folks to choose.
Last year, Commissioner Greene opened up this rulemaking docket to develop Renewable Energy Tariff Options to address the growing desire electricity customers have for green energy.
Here's the thing though. Just because Green Tariffs can have multiple benefits, does not mean that all Green Tariff policies are inherently good, and just because they are in place does not mean that they are useful.
So, here’s our opportunity to push for renewable energy options that work for us! The Alliance is intervening in this docket to ensure the LPSC considers the best practices in Green Tariff development and that they implement them with an inclusive and attractive policy.
Last year, Commissioner Greene opened up this rulemaking docket to develop Renewable Energy Tariff Options to address the growing desire electricity customers have for green energy.
Here's the thing though. Just because Green Tariffs can have multiple benefits, does not mean that all Green Tariff policies are inherently good, and just because they are in place does not mean that they are useful.
So, here’s our opportunity to push for renewable energy options that work for us! The Alliance is intervening in this docket to ensure the LPSC considers the best practices in Green Tariff development and that they implement them with an inclusive and attractive policy.
Docket No. U-36169: SWEPCO Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI)
OPENED 10/15/21
SWEPCO’s application for authorization to install advanced meters. SWEPCO will replace old meters that are no longer manufactured and/or in need of replacement and install up to 12,000 Advanced Meter System (AMS) meters, commonly referred to as Smart Meters.
This advanced technology allows customers to better track their energy usage.
This advanced technology allows customers to better track their energy usage.
Docket No. U-35753: Dolet Decommissioning Oxbow Mine
OPENED 10/14/20
Cleco & SWEPCO are decommissioning the Oxbow Mine, a lignite mine in Northern Louisiana. Both utilities have jointly filed an application to recover costs associated with the closure from ratepayers.
Docket No. U-35441: SWEPCO Rate Case
OPENED 12/16/19
SWEPCO has applied for a modification to their rates charged to customers.
Docket No. U-35565: Entergy Louisiana FRP
OPENED 6/10/20
Entergy is looking to extend and modify its' Formula Rate Plan (FRP), which determines how much Entergy Louisiana can charge customers for service. The Alliance is working to ensure any rate changes the LPSC approves are fair and for the benefit of ratepayers.
Docket No. R-34758: Max Gen
OPENED 3/5/18
This docket was opened in response to the record low temperatures that occurred in MISO South during the week of January 15, 2018 and the emergency procedures utilized to manage the projected loads.
The docket will examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the cold weather event and the management of the event, including:
The docket will examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the cold weather event and the management of the event, including:
- Causes for the decision to utilize emergency procedures
- The generation and transmission resources that were and were not available during the event
- The reason(s) for the unavailability of certain generation and transmission resources
- Any load shed that resulted due to the event and the rules utilized to implement any load shed
- The magnitude and duration of any interruptions that occurred
- How the use of emergency procedures was communicated to the Commission, Commissioners, the Commission Executive Secretary, and to the public
- Any changes to the emergency procedures, notices and communication protocols that could be considered for use in similar future events.
Closed LPSC Dockets
The AAE has compiled and summarized information about closed LPSC Dockets below
You can also use the LPSC Docket Portal to find out more
Below is a list of select closed dockets The Alliance has intervened in. Please note this is not a complete list of all closed LPSC dockets. The first four dockets we want to highlight because they have either recently closed or had lasting impacts on policies and bills.
Docket No. U-36190: Entergy Louisiana Application for Approval of Solar Portfolio
OPENED 7/24/19 | CLOSED
Application for certification and approval of the 2021 solar portfolio, rider geaux green option, cost recovery and related relief.
Entergy Louisiana is seeking approval of their 2021 solar portfolio - including the addition of four new solar resources with 475 megawatt capacity. Entergy is also requesting authorization to implement a new green tariff, the Geaux Green Option. This tariff will allow eligible customers to choose to get some or all of their electricity from renewable resources by being able to receive value from both the energy from renewable energy projects along with the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated by such projects. Entergy will also seek cost recovery and related relief.
Entergy Louisiana is seeking approval of their 2021 solar portfolio - including the addition of four new solar resources with 475 megawatt capacity. Entergy is also requesting authorization to implement a new green tariff, the Geaux Green Option. This tariff will allow eligible customers to choose to get some or all of their electricity from renewable resources by being able to receive value from both the energy from renewable energy projects along with the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated by such projects. Entergy will also seek cost recovery and related relief.
Docket No. R-35136: Determining the Need for Demand Response Programs
OPENED 3/7/19 | CLOSED
States all over the country are using Demand Response (DR) programs to avoid the need for costly, new generation. Similarly to energy efficiency, DR programs are part of a robust Demand Side Management (DSM) portfolio, where utility customers can manage their energy usage in order to shift demand to non-peak hours and/or lower their energy usage by utilizing smart appliances.
Docket No. R-33929: Net Metering
OPENED 12/29/15 | CLOSED
This rulemaking docket worked to assess how much folks with rooftop solar should be compensated for the energy their solar panels send to the electric grid. Many states, and the City of New Orleans have net metering policies in place where folks are credited 1kWh for every kWh their solar panels send to the grid. This is commonly referred to as 1-for-1. However, the LPSC recently eliminated net metering in favor of 2-channel billing, sometimes referred to as net-billing, where customers only receive avoided cost, approximately $.03, for every kWh they send to the grid and are charged full retail, approximately $.09, for every kWh they pull from the grid.
Docket No. U-35807: CLECO Storm Cost Recovery
OPENED 12/8/20 | CLOSED
Cleco is seeking cost recovery from ratepayers due to damage incurred from Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta.
Docket No. U-35806: CLECO COVID Recovery
OPENED 12/8/20 | CLOSED 3/29/22
Early in the COVID pandemic, the Commission prohibited jurisdictional utilities from disconnecting service due to non-payment & for charging late fees. In this docket, Cleco is seeking to recover those lost revenues from ratepayers.
Docket No. U-34796: South Alexander Development I
OPENED 4/5/18 | CLOSED 4/21/22
South Alexander Development is seeking approval to sell renewable energy to Entergy Louisiana at a higher rate, under Entergy’s Renewable Energy Pilot Purchases tariff.
Docket No. U-35736: SWEPCO REC Rider
OPENED 9/29/20 | CLOSED 7/14/21
SWEPCO is seeking approval for a Renewable Energy Credit tariff whereas customers can purchase renewable energy credits to meet net-carbon reduction goals.
Docket No. U-35443: Entergy Louisiana's MVDR
OPENED 12/26/19 | CLOSED 9/28/20
Entergy Louisiana application for authorization to change rates by filing Market Valued Demand Response Rider Schedule (MVDR).
Docket No. U-35385: Entergy Louisiana Interruptible Rider
OPENED 10/3/19 | CLOSED 1/12/22
Entergy Louisiana is seeking approval for an Interruptible Rider, whereas certain large commercial and industrial customers could sign up & receive a bill credit for having their electric service interrupted during times of high energy demand.
Docket No. U-35324: SWEPCO Wind Project
OPENED 7/24/19 | CLOSED
SWEPCO, a utility serving Northern Louisiana, is looking to buy three large wind farms in Oklahoma totalling 1,485MW in nameplate generating capacity. By utilizing the Production Tax Credit (PTC), SWEPCO is estimating a savings of $588 million in Net Present Value for their customers, but is a $1.996 billion wind farm the lowest cost resource?
Docket No. U-35299: Cleco Rate Case
OPENED 7/1/19 | CLOSED 6/16/21
If Cleco is your electric utility, this one is one to pay attention to. The LPSC sets the rates for Cleco, SWEPCO and Entergy Louisiana through a ‘Rate Case’, and in this rate case, Cleco wants to raise rates for their customers. This proceeding will determine how much Cleco gets to charge its customers.
Docket No. I-34715: SWEPCO Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
OPENED 12/28/17 | CLOSED 5/27/20
Similar to Cleco’s IRP (above), SWEPCO is in the planning process to estimate their future energy needs and determine which energy resources best meet those needs. Those resources can include wind, solar and energy efficiency, or it could include coal, gas and lignite.
Docket No. I-34693: Cleco Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
OPENED 11/2/17 | CLOSED 1/22/20
This is Cleco’s 20-year planning process where they assess their projected needs for the next 20 years, and model different resources to determine the least cost resource to meet their capacity need. Do they want to retire costly, and dirty coal generation in favor of renewables, or do they want to build a new gas plant? Another important piece to check here is how are they modeling energy efficiency.
Docket No. U-29764: Retail Proceeding
OPENED 10/20/06 | CLOSED 3/20/20
In 2006, Louisiana's Public Service Commission created Docket U-29764, a Entergy Louisiana and Energy Gulf States retail proceeding to estimate and implement in retail rates in 2007 the rough equalization impact of FERC opinions No. 480 and 480-A and FERC Docket EL 01-88-000, LPSC vs. Entergy Corp.
System Agreements
Update on Activities Relating to Entergy System Agreement Transition for ELL & EGSL
System Agreement Initiative – Transmittal Letter Final Compliance Filing
Docket No. R-28271: Feasibility Investigation
OPENED 10/05/05 | CLOSED
In 2009, Louisiana’s Public Service Commission created Docket No. R-28271, Subdocket B to study the feasibility of renewable energy from the utility perspective. Each year the utilities must submit an annual report of the renewable energy they have purchased, the development of various renewable options, and how these alternative methods of generation might impact jobs, costs, and their generation mix.
Please feel free to contact the Alliance if you or your organization would like more information regarding the information provided on this page.