Alliance for Affordable Energy - The Watchdog

How do big wires help enable renewable energy? No transition without transmission.

9/27/2023

By Yvonne Cappel-Vickery, AAE's Clean Energy Grid Organizer

The transmission system - the towers and wires that move electricity at high voltages over long distances, often crossing over state lines - is a critical piece of our electric grid. In many parts of the country, the transmission grid is monitored and managed by neutral experts known as regional transmission operators (RTO) or independent system operators (ISO). Most of Louisiana is a member of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which is also responsible for transmission grid planning in 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba.

The transmission portion of our electric grid helps us keep our communities powered, but the transmission grid is also an unsung hero for the energy transition. Transmission lines allow renewable energy to be transported to population centers that otherwise could not access that energy.

New Orleans City Council approves an increase in electric & gas revenues for Entergy New Orleans

9/12/2023

At the New Orleans City Council's September 7th Regular Meeting Councilmembers unanimously approved Resolution No. R-23-423 authorizing "an agreement in principle related to the 2023 electric and gas formula rate plan (FRP) filings" in Docket UD-18-07. A Formula Rate Plan (FRP) is a ratemaking method in which the utility adjusts its base rates outside of a general rate case. The approved agreement grants Entergy New Orleans an increase of $1.65M in electric revenues and $6.9M in methane revenues.

While this revenue will be collected through a charge on customers bills, electric customers will not experience an increase in their bills because incoming bill credits from a settlement in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) docket EL 18-152 (related to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station) will offset these costs. The average gas customer will see an increase of $4.93 on their monthly bill.

Entergy asks for another rate increase as New Orleanians are struggling to beat the heat

8/23/2023

By Jesse George, AAE's New Orleans Policy Director

On April 28, 2023, Entergy New Orleans (ENO) filed an application with the New Orleans City Council (the Council) for an increase in both electric and gas rates. ENO’s application would see monthly bills for ratepayers who use 1000 kWh per month rise by $3.79 on the electric side and $5.85 on the gas side.

In response to ENO’s application, the Council’s utility advisors have recommended that the Council lower electric bills for the average user by about $0.24 per month, while recommending that gas bills increase by about $4.93 per month.

EFNO Follow-Up Letter to Councilmember JP Morrell

8/17/2023

On August 2, 2023 the Energy Future New Orleans Coalition (EFNO) sent a letter to Councilmember JP Morrell following up on their Thursday, July 20, 2023 meeting to discuss urgent utility matters facing New Orleanians.

Key takeaways from the meeting include Councilmember Morrell's commitments to:

Convening the Arrearage Management Working Group established by Council resolution R-22-143 within 30 days of July 20, 2023.
Moving forward with a decision in docket UD-22-04 pertaining to energy efficiency and demand-side management within 60 days of July 20, 2023.
Holding a hearing regarding the Entergy New Orleans bill dispute process within 60 days of July 20, 2023.

Creative Solutions for Resilience in a Regulated Utility Market

8/14/2023

By Jessica Hendricks, AAE's State Policy Director

With so much going on at the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) you may be wondering why I spent the morning digging through an old, stalled out Docket. But, that under the radar Docket (U-36507), is an application for a microgrid in Louisiana and extremely relevant to resilience and deregulation.

Ingevity Corporation is a chemical manufacturer in DeRidder, LA, and a current Cleco customer. Ingevity is not satisfied with the reliability of Cleco Power, citing frequent power outages.

Verdant is a microgrid company with no existing ties to LA. Ingevity and Verdant teamed up and drafted a plan whereby Verdant would build a microgrid, consisting of 1000 kW of solar, 2000kW of Combined Heat & Power (CHP) and a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) on Ingevity owned property. Verdant would then sell the power solely to Ingevity, and Ingevity would continue to rely on Cleco Power for 10-20% of its electric load.

Breaking down the LA Public Service Commission's August B&E agenda

8/13/2023

The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) is meeting this Wednesday, August 16th at 9am for its monthly Business & Executive Session (B&E). Since there wasn't a July LPSC Meeting, the August agenda is packed! The Alliance is here to breakdown the energy items that matter to you so that you can stay informed and get engaged.

You'll want to tune in for the presentation on the Louisiana Climate Action Plan from the Governor’s Climate Initiatives Task Force (CITF). Many items in the Action Plan require significant LPSC engagement and this is the first time many of these folks are getting down to brass tacks in a public forum.

No free passes to polluters. The LDEQ needs to hear from you!

7/26/2023

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is preparing rules for the voluntary environmental self-audit program. This program allows industrial companies to voluntarily report their permit violations to LDEQ and places limits on the fines/fees imposed for violations.

The law allowing for this self-auditing process passed last year, but now the LDEQ is also considering keeping the details of these permit violations confidential by not requiring companies to submit full environmental audit reports unless officially requested by the agency. That means companies could pollute, violate their permits and avoid fees, all while leaving neighboring residents in the dark about it.

Coastal communities should share in the benefits of offshore wind power

7/25/2023

Last week, The Alliance’s New Orleans Policy Director Jesse George spoke with FOX8 about the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s recent notice of a public lease sale for offshore wind power in the Gulf of Mexico. While the story reflected our disappointment with the terms of the lease sale, it left out crucial context regarding the reason for that disappointment.

The Alliance has long advocated that offshore wind power is vital to a just transition to a renewable energy economy for Louisiana. We also know that poor, Black, and Indigenous communities along the coast have paid the heaviest toll from the extractive activities of the oil and gas industry, as well as experiencing the worst effects of the climate change that our dependence on fossil fuels has caused.

Wasting energy and wasting time…mostly.

7/23/2023

By Logan Burke, AAE's Executive Director

Louisiana is wasting time, money, and energy. Our households have the highest electricity usage in the nation. But it isn’t our fault. States around the country have implemented effective solutions to reduce energy waste and lower utility bills through energy efficiency programs. Unfortunately, despite efforts at the Louisiana Public Service Commission since 2009, Louisiana residents and businesses still only have anemic programs available to mitigate their rising energy costs.

This month, the Commission received stakeholder input on a new draft energy efficiency rule that could streamline a universal state-wide efficiency program under a single administrator.

SWEPCO got approval for new solar resources. Why did the LPSC take so long to approve it?

7/20/2023

By Jessica Hendricks, AAE's State Policy Director

SWEPCO’s application for 999 MW of solar and wind generation capacity was heard by Louisiana Public Service Commissioners at the May and June meetings. Then the Commission held a special meeting in late June to re-hear it. The point of contention was over ownership. SWEPCO only sought projects they would own, allowing them to earn a rate of return, or profit, increasing the cost of the energy for ratepayers.

The Commission wanted to see the costs (and benefits) of SWEPCO’s application for owned generation compared to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in which SWEPCO would simply buy power from a renewable power producer to ensure ratepayers were getting the best value.

Are you having issues with Entergy New Orleans?

7/13/2023

Entergy New Orleans (ENO) customers with grievances can submit a formal complaint to the New Orleans City Council using the utility complaint form recently added to their website.

As a ratepayer you have the right to “safe and reliable service in accordance with industry standards,” guaranteed to you by the utility Ratepayer Bill of Rights. The Alliance for Affordable Energy and Citizens for Change worked with the New Orleans City Council and ENO to develop this Ratepayer Bill of Rights, and in 2007 the Council codified it into law.

The law states: “If you feel that the Utility has violated your rights or is in violation of its Customer Service Regulations, you have the right to participate in the Customer Complaint and Dispute Resolution Process."

The Alliance encourages you to exercise your rights as a ratepayer and take advantage of this dispute resolution process if needed; and as your consumer advocate we're here to help.

Will the EPA Listen to Louisiana's People?

6/22/2023

Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held three days of hearings to allow the public to offer input regarding whether the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources’ (LDNR) should be given permitting primacy for Class VI carbon waste injection wells.

Primacy essentially means the LNDR will be given the authority to give out permits to companies that want to build these kinds of injection wells, which store carbon captured from power plants and other industrial facilities. Currently that authority rests with the EPA, which has more resources than the LNDR to rigorously protect our drinking water, land, and air.

It's time for Community Solar Rules that produce results

6/22/2023

By Jesse George, AAE's New Orleans Policy Director

In April of this year, the New Orleans City Council took action on a motion by Madison Energy Investments to amend the City’s community solar rules. The Council granted Madison’s motion in part, increasing the eligible project size from 2MW to 5MW, and re-opened the docket for comment by stakeholders on a variety of issues.

Since the Council adopted the City’s community solar rules in 2019, there has been no development in community solar. Quite simply, the current rules do not provide adequate financial incentive to community solar developers.

Alarming New Report: The Carbon Capture Sequestration Gold Rush Is On

6/12/2023

Press Release published by the 2030 Fund & Louisiana Against False Solutions

An alarming new report commissioned by the 2030 Fund details dramatic expansion of 27 new projects throughout Louisiana, while EPA permitting decision hangs in the balance.

Get the rundown on the report in 2030 Fund & Louisiana Against False Solutions' (LAFS) press release.

Read 2030 Fund's Press Release

Public hearing on primacy around CCS injection wells

6/7/2023

Next week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be hosting three days of public hearings from June 21-23 on the issue of whether or not Louisiana will be granted primacy over Class VI wells. This is notable for a couple of reasons.

First, primacy over Class VI wells – which are wells that are used to inject carbon dioxide into deep rock formations, a process known as carbon capture and sequestration / storage (CCS) – would mean that Louisiana would become the third state in the country to fully oversee all permitting and regulation of CCS projects in the state (the other two are Wyoming and North Dakota).

A Community Dialogue with your Representatives

6/6/2023

By Brenna Landis, JD Candidate, Class of 2023, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

On March 23, 2023, the Alliance for Affordable Energy hosted a virtual community dialogue in partnership with two of its interns, Carrie Anne Ducote and Brenna Landis – law students at Loyola New Orleans College of Law.

Carrie and Brenna created a group called the Louisiana Utility Watchdog as a way to highlight the power imbalance at the state level between regulated investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and the public, the bill-paying ratepayers.

We were honored to have Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis and State Representative Matthew Willard join as special guests. The dialogue focused on the Securitization Act, which allows utilities to purchase securities (basically loans) to repair infrastructure damaged by storms, and to pass those repair costs onto ratepayers.

Effort to Give Oil Companies $97 Million Tax Break in Louisiana Halted by Sara Sneath

6/5/2023

Article by Sara Sneath
Originally published by DeSmog
May 31, 2023

The latest vote was postponed after state senators considered shoring up the budget with a natural gas tax.

For the fifth time, a Louisiana lawmaker has introduced legislation to try to reduce the tax that fossil fuel firms pay on oil they produce in the state. The original version of the bill introduced by Rep. Phillip DeVillier this spring would have cost the state $97 million over the next five years, according to a Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office report.

“It’s just so much money,” said Rep. Mandie Landry, who voted against the bill in the House Committee on Ways and Means and again when it was before the full House.

Good news out of this morning’s B&E: We’re one step closer to Energy Efficiency Rules!

5/17/2023

By Jessica Hendricks, AAE's State Policy Director

The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) acted this morning on our request to release the draft Energy Efficiency Rule which Stakeholders have been refining for years, marking a significant step towards finalizing long-term robust energy efficiency programs for all Louisianans.

After years of stakeholder collaboration to develop long-term Energy Efficiency rules, an attempt was made to circumvent the rulemaking process with the introduction of a completely different energy efficiency program that would not be subject to an evaluation and verification process, and lack transparency. We commend the LPSC for seeing through the attempted diversion, committing themselves to the established rulemaking process, and moving forward with the progress Stakeholders have made in this proceeding.

EPA New Carbon Rule is Deeply Troubling

5/15/2023

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new draft rule to curb carbon emissions from fossil burning power plants. The new rule takes a different approach from the Obama era Clean Power Plan, which focused on shifting to renewable and efficient energy and instead sets limits based on assumptions that technologies like hydrogen blending and carbon capture and storage can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It is deeply troubling to see a rule that continues to bet on our future using expensive technologies that have failed to show results, even as efficiency and renewable energy have proven to capture savings and reduce emissions for all.

The Louisiana Legislative Session is in full swing!

5/12/2023

The Louisiana Legislative Session is in full swing and while it’s a fiscal session, legislators have already considered many issues ranging from bills aimed at regulating or restricting carbon capture and injection projects, to strengthening air and water monitoring, and determining how utilities are allowed to recoup costs. Keep reading to get the rundown on what was heard, what was deferred, and what passed.

On April 25th the Senate passed SB51 without objection - which will allow utilities to request approval from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) for rate hikes on customers to cover costs incurred by previous mining of coal or lignite, EVEN AFTER the LPSC ordered refunds to ratepayers for those very charges.

The Alliance is looking for a Climate Solutions Coordinator

5/12/2023

The Alliance is hiring a full time Community Policy Coordinator to support organization-wide efforts to combat false climate solutions including carbon capture, carbon dioxide pipelines, carbon dioxide injection, and hydrogen.

Candidates will need to reside in Louisiana. We seek someone with existing ties to communities and civic organizations within Louisiana, with organizing and outreach experience. This person would need to be confident in working closely with Louisiana’s diverse communities to empower individuals to engage with elected officials and agency leadership in a potentially unfamiliar place.

Do you know someone who has a passion for clean energy solutions, environmental justice, and climate action? Check out our job listing on Idealist!

On the hunt for solutions: Principles for an Equitable Electric Grid

5/2/2023

By Yvonne Cappel-Vickery, AAE's Clean Energy Grid Organizer

Achieving an affordable, equitable, decarbonized energy system is similar to a giant puzzle with many crucial pieces. One of these puzzle pieces is putting equity at the center of planning the electricity grid.

In October 2022, The Alliance, along with Clear RTO Path, CURE Minnesota, Communities Organizing Latino Power and Action, Cooperative Energy Futures, Environmental Justice Coalition, Environmental Law and

Policy Center, Soulardarity, Taproot Earth, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Vote Solar gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana to address the issue of unprecedented new transmission investments being made within MISO. The organizations and individuals who participated in the convening all had one thing in common - the Midcontinent System Operator (MISO), a 15-state regional transmission operator.

Bill dispute process is a positive step for frustrated S&WB customers, but what about Entergy customers?

4/20/2023

By Jesse George, AAE's New Orleans Policy Director

Today, Thursday, April 20, 2023, the New Orleans City Council adopted an ordinance establishing an appeals process for Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB) customers to dispute bills. The ordinance gives customers 45 days from receipt of a hearing officer’s written decision to appeal to the City Council and charges the Council Utilities Regulatory Office (CURO) with reviewing appeals for completeness.

The ordinance gives the Council authority to contract with a third party consultant to review S&WB investigations and hearing officers’ written decisions and to make recommendations on individual appeals.

The Louisiana Legislative Session kicks off this week!

4/10/2023

By Jackson Voss, AAE's Climate Policy Coordinator

While it is a fiscal session – meaning the focus is intended to primarily be on tax policy – legislators will consider many issues, including bills aimed at regulating or restricting carbon capture projects; strengthening air and water monitoring; and fostering development of an offshore wind industry.

AAE will be paying particular attention to a bill relating to utility securitization – SB51 would allow utilities to pass off decommissioning costs for coal-fired power plants to ratepayers as fees on monthly utility bills. These are costs that ratepayers have already borne at least once before, and this bill would let a few utilities off the hook for recent, poor investment decisions by raising power bills for all Louisianans.

There’s a lot going on at the LPSC these days!

4/7/2023

By Jessica Hendricks, AAE's State Policy Director

Entergy Louisiana (ELL) has filed two applications for solar resources. One application, for 224 MW, includes a 175 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) facility and a 49 MW ELL constructed facility, both located in the Amite South region where transmission congestion has been a long standing problem. The other application is a much bigger application for up to 3 GW in solar resources. Given the scale, ELL plans to prove that these resources are needed in Phase I.

Phase II is where we’ll discuss costs, structure & where the identified potential resources will be located.

Intern & Volunteer

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View our events calendar for important upcoming community events and public meetings!

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