Jean-Paul Coussan Elected to Regulate LA’s Electricity System

11.09.2024
Democracy & Elections
Utility Regulation
Louisiana Public Service Commission
Entergy Louisiana
Cleco
SWEPCO
Cooperative Utilities
Consumer Protection

Louisianans decidedly elected a new public service commissioner, State Senator Jean-Paul Coussan, to represent PSC District 2.

Beginning next year, Senator Coussan will be 1 of 5 people who make decisions about Louisiana’s electricity system.

PSC District Map

Senator Coussan, a Republican, won 54% of the vote, handily defeating Democratic political newcomer, Nicholas Laborde, and Republican opponent and former state Senator, Julie Quinn. 

Source: Secretary of State Website

The PSC, which regulates utilities like Entergy Louisiana, has historically leaned in favor of utility companies.

In the past couple of years, challenges around high electricity bills, frequent power outages, and environmental threats have led to louder calls to center the needs of Louisiana’s ratepayers.

As a consumer and environmental advocate, The Alliance works at the PSC to advance protections for utility customers, expand clean & affordable energy, and hold utilities accountable for rising bills and service interruptions. 

Coussan’s Platform

Senator Coussan is a lawyer, and prior to his election to the state Senate, served in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He is a public supporter of Louisiana’s oil and gas industry and a business advocate. 

As the membership of the commission changes, The Alliance looks forward to deepening our relationship with Commissioner-elect Coussan and working toward common goals like providing Louisianans with affordable energy.

Campaign Spending & Conflicts of Interest

Historically, most candidates for Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, both Republican and Democrat, have accepted campaign finance donations from utility companies.

The Alliance opposes candidates for the LPSC accepting donations from the utility companies they are responsible for regulating.

Commissioner-elect Coussan accepted money from Entergy, Cleco, and other utility interests.

National Trends

The results of the 2024 PSC race in Louisiana match trends seen in other states like Arizona, where the outcome of public utility commission races is shifting to greater support for fossil fueled resources. PSC elections aren’t just about Louisiana—they are part of a larger movement where energy policy at the state level is increasingly drawing national attention and resources. 

2026 PSC Race

Two additional LPSC seats are up for election in 2026, including District 5, which covers North LA, and District 1, covering Southeast LA. The 2026 race will determine the ideological makeup of the commission.

Next Steps

There’s a lot at stake, including the cost of our electricity bills, keeping our lights on during and after disasters, and a healthy and safe environment. We have to stay in relationship with our commissioners to make sure our voices are heard and our interests represented.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is a 501c(3) and does not endorse candidates. We are a consumer advocacy organization making sure Louisiana residents’ bills stay affordable.

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