Alleged surprise agenda item at Public Service Commission meeting sparks concern in energy advocates

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A last-minute addition to the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s (PSC) meeting agenda is raising alarm among energy advocates, who say the proposal could dismantle critical programs that help residents manage energy costs.

Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, said the item announced just a day before the PSC’s meeting in Many, La., appears poised to “fully gut all energy efficiency programs that could benefit residents in their homes and even small businesses.”

The Alliance, a consumer advocate group, has worked for years to ensure utility customers across the state have access to programs that reduce energy costs and improve home efficiency. Burke pointed to past victories, such as reducing late fees for Entergy customers from 5% to 1%, as examples of protections now at risk.

“Right now, while programs like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) are on the ropes and federal funding is uncertain, why would we take away any tool that could help a family keep the lights on?” Burke asked.

The identity of the person or group behind the surprise proposal has not been confirmed, but the Alliance alleges that Commissioner Mike Francis is leading the effort. Requests for comment from Francis were not immediately returned Tuesday.

The proposed agenda item comes at a time when many Louisiana households are already facing rising energy costs and economic uncertainty. Advocates say gutting energy efficiency programs would disproportionately hurt vulnerable populations, including low-income families and elderly residents.

The PSC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Many.

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