There are two items we’re watching that could impact you:
For a full rundown on these agenda items keep reading below.
The Commission will consider hiring outside counsel to assist with the implementation of demand response programs (docket U-37595). Demand response programs are a way to encourage people to use less electricity during times of high energy demand by offering financial incentives for doing so. There is a current program in place, but it is limited to large industrial customers.
What could this look like in your home? One example is Entergy’s proposed smart thermostat demand program. This is modeled off of a similar program run by Entergy New Orleans called EasyCool. Under that program, customers can enroll a new or existing smart thermostat and receive a one-time $50 incentive for signing up. Smart thermostats automatically make small temperature adjustments to reduce your energy use during short periods of high electricity usage, also known as peak demand. Don’t worry, you can always manually adjust your thermostat to your preferred temperature. Residents can also get up to a $100 incentive on their new purchase of a qualifying smart thermostat. Entergy’s proposal also includes a program to incentivize battery storage and time of use rates for EV charging.
Demand response programs benefit us all, even if you’re not enrolled. When demand is high the price is high. By lowering our demand we lower costs for everyone.
On May 25 over 100,000 Louisianans lost power. Head to our blog, 9 Major Questions About the May 25 Load Shedding Event, for the full breakdown on what we know so far. The short version: Power demand exceeded supply and to avoid a much larger blackout, the regional grid operator, MISO, ordered Entergy and Cleco to initiate a controlled power outage, or “load shed”.
What is crucial to understand is that the problem here is not MISO or SPP – these events are the result of decades of resisting transmission planning and interconnection to protect utility profits. We need our state and local regulators to act decisively and stop the finger-pointing.
As Louisiana’s elected regulators on the the Louisiana Public Service Commission and New Orleans City Council continue their work to understand what led to the May 25th blackout, and other recent load shed events in North Louisiana, it has become increasingly clear that these outages could likely have been avoided with greater investment in regional transmission.
When Entergy’s power generation is down (aka a power plant is out), Entergy has to buy more expensive electricity from other places. Entergy earns a profit on all the energy they sell, which means that when the price of electricity is higher, they earn more of a profit. We cannot afford to continue with business as usual. Our regulators need to show real leadership, and demand the utilities work with MISO and SPP on regional transmission planning so that citizens don’t find themselves in the dark, again.
This meeting is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and your experience if you were impacted by the outages. This is your power and your community. Businesses were interrupted, homes went dark, and residents were left scrambling for answers. Come speak up. Bring your questions. Be part of the conversation. Not sure what to say? Here are some talking points about the May 25th outages and transmission planning and below are some questions you may want to ask your regulators.
Some Questions You May Want to Ask Your Regulators
The Alliance encourages you to attend the LPSC’s June meeting if you’re able and provide your input by submitting public comment at the meeting.
Where: Galvez Building, 602 N, Fifth Street, Baton Rouge
When: Wednesday, June 18 at 9am
Agenda: Click here to view the regular agenda
Can’t make it in person to Baton Rouge? Tune in via livestream at tinyurl.com/LPSCyoutube.
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.
