Money, Politics, and the Business of Monopolies

Baton Rouge, LA – The Alliance for Affordable Energy has released a report that studies the relationship between Louisiana’s monopoly utility companies and the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), the elected government agency that is charged with regulating these monopolies. The paper found a problematic relationship and “regulatory capture” of the governmental body as a result of campaign finance, among other procedural issues.

The Alliance offers recommendations following the research conducted, including:

• Adoption of prohibitions that limit campaign contributions from regulated utilities to regulated candidates
• Greater transparency by expanding Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law
• The adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order by the LPSC in order to ensure proper procedures
• More regular and enforced audits by the state’s Legislative Auditor

Downloadable version: Money, Politics, and the Business of Monopolies