Today the Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously voted to adopt Integrated Resource Planning rules. Integrated resource planning directs the utilities in the state to plan for how to meet energy demand over the next 20 years and requires them to consider least-cost options like energy efficiency. Basically, there are two ways to meet demand – new power plants and energy efficiency. New power plants are extremely expensive compared to energy-saving technology upgrades. It just makes sense to plan on savings.
In Louisiana, our utility rates are fairly low but our bills are still among the highest in the nation. The biggest reason for this discrepancy is our homes. Our air conditioning is running straight of our houses. The only way to address that problem is through energy efficiency measures that help bill-payers save energy. The IRP forces the utility to look at how to maximize energy efficiency that will help people lower their energy bills.
Casey DeMoss Roberts, Executive Director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy says “The Louisiana Public Service Commission deserves a hearty round of applause from the citizens of Louisiana. The energy planning rules are going to help real people with their utility bills. This is the right direction for Louisiana.”
