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In a 3-2 vote, Louisiana’s energy regulators on Wednesday scrapped the energy efficiency program that it has been working to launch for the past 14 years, Floodlight reports.
Critics say the program was scrapped with “next to no notice” and in “a remote part of the state.” The item was added to the Louisiana Public Service Commissioner’s meeting agenda two days before the body was set to meet at Cypress Bend Resort in Many—roughly 2½ hours away from the Baton Rouge facilities where the board normally convenes.
Energy advocates warn that the move will increase electric bills for Louisiana residents and allow utility companies to collect money for electricity they are not providing.
After working on the program for over a decade, the commission last summer voted to adopt the program. Commissioner Craig Greene, the swing vote on the commission during that 2024 vote, has since left the commission and was replaced by Jean-Paul P. Coussan.
Coussan voted Wednesday with Eric Skrmetta and Chair Mike Francis to scrap the program. Francis had requested the commission reconsider the energy efficiency program, saying it was confusing and cost too much.
