If you can’t make it in person you can tune in to the livestream or watch the recording at tinyurl.com/lpscyoutube.
Here are some items we’re watching:
Keep reading for a full rundown on these agenda items and how they might affect you.
Commissioners are electing various positions for the 2026 year, including for Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission.
They will choose who among them will be a representative to the regional transmission organizations Louisiana is part of, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). These transmission organizations make long-term decisions about electricity grid reliability and facilitate the buying and selling of electricity in their regional markets. Additionally, Commissioners will elect a representative to the Entergy Regional State Committee (ERSC), the committee that provides input on the operations and upgrades to Entergy’s transmission system, as well as representative to the Organization of MISO States (OMS). The positions have significant influence because each representative is acting on behalf of the whole Commission.
The Commission passed new energy efficiency rules last year that included a mandate to hire an independent contractor to assess the effectiveness of the energy efficiency program. Prior to the rule changes, Tetra Tech was hired as the contractor. Tomorrow, the Commission will vote on whether to retain the company as the contractor who will perform the evaluation, measurement, and verification work.
Last month, the Commission passed a directive put forth by Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan that establishes a new regulatory pathway for large loads like data centers to be brought onto the electricity grid faster. It makes it easier for companies to get power by waiving the requirements that protect existing customers.
There was no official regulatory process for developing the directive, and no stakeholder input. Despite the directive being approved by the Commission last month, there’s yet to be an order, or official notice, released for public viewing. There’s no paper trail of the directive or its passage.
Now, the Commission is expected to take a vote on whether to hire UPC to contract on that directive even though it’s not yet even a matter of public record.
CM Lewis’ proposal directs staff to conduct a process for developing a framework to give guidance to utilities and data centers on the consumer protections the Commission would use to ensure new (or expanding) large customers (and utilities) do not harm residents and other businesses. It calls for a transparent policy making process, developed with insight from experts and intended to balance the interests of residents, utilities, and other stakeholders.
The Alliance supports the directive. As a regulator of electric utilities, the LPSC’s role is to set policy that weighs and balances the interests of all kinds of customers.
The Alliance encourages you to attend the LPSC’s December meeting if you’re able and provide your input by submitting public comment at the meeting.
Where: 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Galvez Building, Natchez Room 1st Floor
When: Wednesday, December 17 at 10am
Agenda: Click here to view the regular agenda. Click here to view the supplemental agenda.
Can’t make it in person to Baton Rouge? Tune in via livestream at tinyurl.com/LPSCyoutube or follow our live coverage of the meeting on Twitter/X.
While you must attend the meeting in person to submit public comment, that’s why The Alliance exists. We know most people don’t have the time or energy to go to obscure meetings like these and, while it’s critical that your voice is heard, know that AAE will be advocating on your behalf and behalf of all Louisianans at LPSC meetings.
