Louisiana Utilities Commit to Implementing Energy Efficiency

​Energy efficiency programs to start next year!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Forest Wright, Alliance for Affordable Energy, 504-208-7597

Louisiana Utilities Commit to Implementing Energy Efficiency

Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana’s three largest electric utilities, Entergy, SWEPCO, and CLECO, have made good on their recent commitments to the Pubic Service Commission and formally announced they will launch energy efficiency programs by this time next year. With this move, more than 1.5 million Louisiana electric customers will have access to utility administered energy efficiency programs for the first time. Louisiana is the latest to provide such programs, which have become standard practice in nearly every state throughout the country.

“Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most effective way to meet growing demand for electricity in Louisiana,” said Forest Wright, Utility Policy Director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy. “It is a proud day for Louisiana when the Commission, utilities, and public interest advocates come together to lower bills for Louisiana’s families and businesses with energy efficiency.”

In Arkansas, Entergy and SWEPCO have operated similar efficiency programs since 2010 that are saving customers in excess of $30 million.  In July, Mississippi also adopted energy efficiency rules that are projected to deliver more than $2 billion in savings over the next two decades. New Orleans electric customers were the first in Louisiana to have such programs, since 2011. Notably, with the October 1st filing to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Entergy is now committed to providing energy efficiency programs for customers in every one of their service territories across Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, New Orleans, and now the rest of Louisiana.

“Louisiana has taken a significant and definitive step forward, reinforcing the groundswell of investment in energy efficiency that is currently underway across the region,” said Mandy Mahoney, President of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. “We applaud Louisiana’s decision to harness energy efficiency to promote economic growth, job creation, new business opportunities and an improved quality of life for its citizens.”

Devin Martin, Conservation Coordinator for the Delta Chapter of the Sierra Club said, “The Sierra Club applauds the Public Service Commission and everyone else involved in the creation and implementation of these programs. Not only will they save consumers money, but they help to reduce dangerous air and water pollution from power plants.”

“The League of Women Voters of Louisiana is pleased that the three  largest electrical service providers have signed on to implement the new  voluntary energy efficiency standards,” said League President, Sandra Slifer. “We hope that other electrical  utilities will consider implementing additional energy efficiency  programs and will sign on in the next phase.” Sandra Slifer, President,  LWVLA.

The first phase of energy efficiency programs will run for two years beginning October 2014. Phase II rule-making for the long-term, comprehensive programs will begin next year. Gas and electric cooperative utilities will not be participating in the first phase of the efficiency programs but will be part of the Phase II rule-making.
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For more information, please contact the Alliance at (504) 208-7597 or email forest@all4energy.org.