As private equity creeps into Louisiana utilities, ratepayers face an uphill battle

Cindy Case-Brown and Connie Norris are opposing Magnolia Water's rate hikes and acquisition of a St. Tammany Parish sewer system. Magnolia, a private equity-backed company, has acquired utility systems across Louisiana, leading to annual rate increases and the state's highest sewer rates. The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) typically approves these rate hikes, prioritizing utility financial viability over consumer costs.