Here are some items we’re watching:
For a full rundown on these agenda items and how they might affect you keep reading below.
The Integrated Resource Planning, or IRP, process is a powerful tool that regulators use to direct utility companies, like Cleco, to figure out how much energy we are going to need for the next 20 years and how best to meet that need. For instance, does the utility want to retire costly natural gas generation in favor of renewables? Is the utility investing enough in energy efficiency programs that can lower costs for residents and businesses? The goal of the IRP is to select the best mix of energy resources to meet expected demand — but the big question is, best for whom?
IRPs happen every 4 years and The Alliance, as always, has intervened in the docket this year, I-37725. We’ll advocate for greater use of demand side management like efficiency, demand response, and battery back up to help address capacity needs and reduce costs, more clean and fuel free power, plus smart planning and investment for a transmission system that benefits everyone.
This interim IRP from Cleco is not a full IRP process, however; as it was the result of Cleco’s decision last IRP cycle to include a plan to attach Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to their existing Pet-Coke burning plant north of Alexandria. This somewhat limited interim IRP process comes in the same month that all Investor Owned Utilities in the state are expected to file initiating paperwork for their full IRP cycles, which will get underway in earnest in December or January and will take roughly one year.
There won’t be much to comment on at this meeting, but the IRP process does invite public input. The Alliance will keep you informed about opportunities to make your voice heard. Still have questions about IRPs? Check out our blog post, Energy Planning for the Future, for a deeper dive into energy planning.
The discussion about the May 25 New Orleans outages and load shed event is not over yet. There will likely be additional reporting and discussion from Cleco, Entergy, and MISO regarding the causes of the outages and action taken afterward. The May 25 outages were caused by several compounding factors including unplanned power plant outages, a lack of transmission capacity, and limited communication.
The long and the short of it is: There was enough generation (aka power) on the grid, but the electrons could not get to many customers because of a lack of transmission capacity. This is the result of years of resistance from utilities like Entergy and Cleco, that have fought efforts for long-term regional transmission planning to connect Louisiana to the broader regional grid and allow greater access to affordable power. Visit our blog post, Why Transmission Planning Matters, for more information and to learn more about The Alliance’s perspective on grid related events.
Entergy Louisiana (ELL) is asking the Commission to end the long-standing River Bend Deregulated Asset Plan — a rate mechanism created in 1988 after the utility went way over budget while building the nuclear plant. At that time, the LPSC ruled that some of the costs were imprudently incurred (legal speak for should have known better), and could not be passed onto customers.
Now, ELL is saying they have paid ratepayers back for their mistakes. The company is asking the Commission to move the full value of the River Bend plant back onto the rate base — meaning all costs and utility profits associated with the plant would once again appear on customers’ bills.
The Alliance encourages you to attend the LPSC’s October meeting if you’re able and provide your input by submitting public comment at the meeting.
Where: Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA
When: Thursday, October 20 at 10am
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.
