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

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.

The presentation from the Task Force will follow CITF's August 15th Workshop, during which the public is being asked to give their input as to what actions the state should prioritize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution.​

​Next up on the agenda is a series of Directives from Commissioner Skrmetta on issues ranging from cost benefit analysis for fuel stations for liquid hydrogen, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), to cost benefits associated with MISO and SPP, and the development of advanced nuclear power technology. The language in the Directives and related conversation will be insightful into the direction the LPSC intends to take in the future.

There will be a Status Report from 1803 Electric Cooperative, Inc. on 1803's portfolio which serves LA's electric co-ops. While the portfolio was fairly priced and packed with solar resources, supply chain and land use issues have forced 1803 to scale back solar resources, raising the cost of the portfolio and exploring more fossil fuel generation. Something to keep an eye on as many see this as an example of why we should keep 'business as usual' in Louisiana.

SWEPCO is looking to add more renewables to their resource mix in Docket U-35324 and the LPSC is set to increase the budget for the consultant as the scope has expanded. SWEPCO is also looking for approval of a change in electric rates in Docket U-35441. This is one to pay attention to as SWEPCO has retired its Dolet Hills lignite (coal) plant, and related closure and clean up fees are included. Note- fuel costs associated with that plant are being addressed in a separate docket. The LPSC is also looking for a securitization expert in SWEPCO's storm recovery application, Docket U-36174.

Cleco Power has finally published their application to modify electric rates in Docket U-36923 and the LPSC will be hiring outside counsel to assist Staff in the proceeding. Once again, the Electric Vehicle Rulemaking, Docket R-36131 is coming back around, unfortunately not yet for a vote on the rule but rather a vote to increase the consultant's budget due to the expansion of scope.

The Supplemental agenda for the LPSC B&E is brief, but we do want to highlight Item #18. Commissioner Lewis has requested an update from Entergy Louisiana regarding the frequent power outages in Baton Rouge, and the storm restoration efforts following the July 31, 2023 storm. Given our fast approach into peak hurricane season, and all of the discussions regarding resilience and grid hardening, this is one to take note of.

​The Alliance encourages folks to get involved at the LPSC by attending their monthly meetings in-person or online! While you must attend 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.

Date: August 16, 2023 at 9am
Location: Galvez Building (1st Floor Natchez Room), 602 N 5th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Livestream Link: tinyurl.com/lpscyoutube

View the Full Agenda

Livestream Link