Missed our Bill Clinic? Here’s What You Need to Know

06.25.2025
Bills & Economics
Utility Regulation
Louisiana Public Service Commission
New Orleans City Council
Entergy Louisiana
Entergy New Orleans
Cleco
SWEPCO
Consumer Protection
Energy Efficiency

Yesterday, at our Bill Clinic in Covington, we had a powerful conversation about what actually goes into your electric bill and why it’s so high.

Weren’t able to attend? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a rundown on what we went over. Plus, stay tuned, we plan on hosting another bill clinic later this summer.

Download Our PowerPoint from the Clinic

🔎 First things first: What’s on your bill?

As customers, we pay for everything our utilities do. Your bill includes charges for:

👉 Yesterday at the Bill Clinic we went over how these charges show up on your bill. For Cleco customers that means line items like TCJA Bill Credit, Storm Restoration and Energy Transition Charge, and Infrastructure & Incremental Costs Recovery. Want to learn more about these line items on your bill? Contact us!

💸 Now let’s talk about how utilities come up with your rates.

Think of your electric bill like a pie. Here’s how it works:

The pie is paid for by all customers and costs are spread out over the full year. If the utility doesn’t earn enough in a given year, they are allowed to increase their rates to give them an opportunity the following year.

✅ The good news

If you’re a Cleco or SWEPCO customer you’re getting a REFUND. Last year, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) approved refunds after your utilities overcharged you for power from the Dolet Hills coal plant. 

This happened because of pressure from The Alliance and people like you! It’s a great reminder that we need to keep the spotlight on our regulators and our utility companies. 

🚫 The bad news

Unfortunately, utilities like Cleco are still charging you too much. Instead of buying the lowest-cost energy available, they’re running older, more expensive coal plants like Rodemacher II and Big Cajun — and you’re paying for it. Over the past 10 years over $750 million has been wasted by running these two plants instead of using less expensive available power. 

That’s money we could all be saving and the Louisiana Public Service Commission can put a stop to this wasteful practice. 

💡 What you can do to lower your bill

We know power costs are adding up quickly, here are some tools that may help you manage your bill:

⚖️ What our regulators can do

The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) regulates most utilities in our state, including Cleco. Please note If you live in New Orleans, the City Council is responsible for regulating your utility, Entergy New Orleans. The LPSC makes decisions about what your energy costs, where it comes from, and what types of programs are available to you.

The LPSC can help bring bill costs down by:

Commissioners need to hear from their constituents like you! Your emails and calls make a difference. Contact your regulators at the Louisiana Public Service Commission or New Orleans City Council today. 

Contact Your Commissioner or Councilmember

If you want help reading your bill, learning what programs you qualify for, or getting more involved contact us

We’re so glad you’re staying informed and we’re here to help!

Contact
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