LPSC approves new energy efficiency requirements

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Louisiana public service commission voted to adopt new energy efficiency standards but it didn’t come without a few heated debates and a lot of public comments.

“My bill this month is $372 and last month it was $198, almost doubled, and I’m looking for this bill to help bring our costs down,” said Equilla Ivery.

Equiella Ivery, a customer of Pointe Coupee electric which does not have an efficiency program is struggling with her bills.

She’s hoping some relief will come from a new program from the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

She is one of many customers who packed in to hear long awaited arguments and the final vote on energy efficiency rules for utilities statewide.

Part of the policy would prioritize low income customers and renters. The policy would also hire an outside administrator who would be in charge of deciding how funding for energy efficient projects will be handed out.

But commissioner Eric Skrmetta believes that authority should stay with the commission

“If we identify areas of need in Caddo, Ouachita, Jefferson, wherever it may need to go then we do it,” said Skrmetta. “It’s not the authority of an administrator to identify and allocate funds.”

“15% for low-income customers and 10% to renters. We still have authority,” said commissioner Davante Lewis. “I mean if you don’t want to support low-income customers and renters then that’s on you.”

Skrmetta also argued against hiring a third-party administrator. He believes the commission could use the money to expand existing energy efficiency programs instead.

“My theory is I just don’t want to waste money and I don’t want to waste this administrative cost that’s all, but I’m like you I want to do this, but I want to hit the ground running,” said Skrmetta.

Utility companies like Cleco agree. Citing they have their own energy efficiency programs that are working for a lot of their customers.

“Our comments have asked for an exemption from the public administrator program because we actually have real programs in place right now,” said Mark Kleehammer.

But Ms. Ivery argues they don’t include everyone.

“Help is on the way,” said commissioner Craig Greene.

The commission ultimately approved the proposal.

It’s something state policy director for Together Louisiana Erin Hansen believes will bring a positive change

“I expect and will want to see many more people served by the program,” said Hansen. “I’ll expect to see many more energy savings and most important for our leaders is that they can start saving money on their bills.”

The commission will now look to hire a third-party administrator to design, implement and oversee a new energy efficiency program that all utility providers will be required to participate in.

But this can be a lengthy process so customers likely won’t see relief for at least another year or so.

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