While this delay avoids a rushed rollback of vital programs that help Louisianans lower their energy bills and make their homes and businesses more comfortable; the deferral only prolongs an unnecessary debate.
“We are relieved to see the Commission defer an item that would have stopped efficiency planning in its tracks. Louisianans deserve real action, not delays and political games. Rolling back these programs would mean higher energy bills for Louisiana residents and more money in the pockets of utilities,” said Alaina DiLaura, AAE’s LPSC Policy Coordinator.
After a thorough 14-year process, in January of 2024 the Commission voted to reform our energy efficiency program to give Louisianans access to an expanded, state-wide program, run by an independent Third-Party Administrator (TPA). The TPA model ensures that the programs are run efficiently and effectively—not by utilities whose profits depend on selling more energy.
“The Commission must keep moving forward—not waste time rehashing a settled decision,” said Logan Burke, AAE’s Executive Director.
The new energy efficiency program was the result of over a decade of community input, expert analysis, and leadership from Commissioners committed to helping Louisiana residents. Rolling back these reforms and putting the programs back into the hands of utilities would be a costly mistake that prioritizes corporate profits over consumer savings.
“The LPSC made the right call in January—backtracking now would not only erase that progress but also undermine the Commission’s own hard work. No new information has been presented that justifies reversing course. This is simply a move by one Commissioner to undermine program reforms at the expense of Louisianans. The cost of our electricity bills is on the line,” said Alaina DiLaura.
The Alliance for Affordable Energy is encouraging residents to contact their commissioner and urge them to to stand firm, keep the energy efficiency program moving forward, and reject this attempt to waste our time.
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Contact
Emma Meyerkopf, Communications Manager
504-229-4643
emma@all4energy.org
