Louisiana Public Service Commission

Residents in Louisiana are challenging rising water and sewer bills after private utility company Magnolia Water expanded and increased rates significantly since 2019. Critics argue the company’s profit-driven approach leads to high customer costs, while supporters claim private investment is necessary to repair aging infrastructure. The Louisiana Public Service Commission faces calls for stronger oversight due to concerns over consumer protections.

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta has taken a new position with the Trump administration as principal deputy under secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, appointed by President Donald Trump, while remaining in his state role until his term ends in December. An election to fill his upcoming vacancy on the Public Service Commission will be held in November.

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.

National Water Infrastructure will break ground in September 2023 on a $185 million wastewater treatment plant in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, aiming to replace 72 smaller plants and improve water quality by discharging treated wastewater into the Mississippi River. The project, expected to take two years, is privately funded and projected to save the parish $4 million annually.

Louisiana is positioning itself as a leader in the U.S. nuclear energy industry by expanding nuclear infrastructure, with Turner Industries creating 1,000 jobs through nuclear-grade manufacturing. The state is collaborating with government agencies and educational institutions to develop a skilled nuclear workforce, driven by rising demand from energy-intensive industries and climate goals.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission is considering a rule requiring groups seeking to intervene in utility regulatory proceedings to disclose out-of-state funding sources. Environmental groups and some commissioners, including Davante Lewis, argue the rule could suppress debate, while proponents claim it aims to prevent foreign interference and ensure energy dominance. The proposal follows a report by The Pelican Institute alleging Louisiana-based advocacy groups receive out-of-state funds linked to anti-fossil fuel agendas.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission is considering a rule requiring groups to disclose out-of-state funding for interventions in utility regulatory proceedings, citing concerns about foreign interference and energy dominance. Critics, including Commissioner Davante Lewis, argue the rule could suppress debate on fossil fuels and data centers by limiting participation.

Stephanie Hilferty won the Republican primary for the Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1 seat with 62% of the vote. Joseph Cao secured the Republican nomination for the District 1 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education race with 52% of the vote. Both races will proceed to the November general election.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order requiring new requirements for data centers to qualify for state tax exemptions, aiming to prevent utility ratepayers from subsidizing their energy costs while promoting rural economic growth. The order follows concerns about rising power plant costs linked to Meta’s Hyperion data center and Entergy Louisiana’s proposed $1.8 billion power plant purchase.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is urging state regulators to scrutinize Entergy's proposed acquisition of a Texas power plant to ensure ratepayers are not burdened with unnecessary costs. The deal, tied to powering Meta’s Hyperion data center, has sparked debates over financial risks for consumers if the plants underperform or major customers leave.

Early voting for June 27 party runoffs begins June 12, 2026, for U.S. Senate, Louisiana Public Service Commission, and state school board. Key races include the Senate seat runoff between Julia Letlow and John Fleming (Republican) and Jamie Davis and Gary Crockett (Democratic), with winners facing in the November general election. Local races for Public Service Commission and BESE District 1 are also on the ballot.

A Louisiana Senate bill (SB 490) allowing industrial facilities to build private power plants and sell up to 50% of generated electricity faces opposition from major utilities like Entergy and Cleco. Sponsored by Sen. Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville), the stalled legislation aims to bypass traditional utility approval processes, drawing support from some energy advocacy groups after amendments.