Magnolia Water
Coverage of Magnolia Water in the Nexus archive.
- Rising rates bring calls for more oversight of this fast-growing private utility
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.
- 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.