DNR Declares Ground Water Emergency in Parts of Southern Caddo Parish

Conservation Emergency Water Order 8-19-2011 OrderENV2011-GW0140001

August 2011 rainfall is 81% BELOW AVERAGE! By way of an update, on Friday, September 30, 2011 the Office of Conservation issued a statement that exceptional drought conditions remain in effect for the region where the Areas of Interest are located. The Louisiana Office of State Climatology rainfall data for the area south of Shreveport indicates monthly rainfall totals for June, July, and August to be well below average monthly rainfall with the month of August 2011 reported to be 81% BELOW average.    

In response to the prolonged drought conditions on the water supply in southern Caddo Parish, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation issued an Emergency Order. See the attached.

Emergency Order No. ENV 2011-GW014 declares a temporary ground water emergency in accordance with La. R.S. 38:3097.3.C(8) and the August 15, 2009 Ground Water Emergency Response Contingency Plan to implement water conservation measures and limit use of Carrizo-Wilcox and Upland Terrace acquifer system ground water withdrawn from industrial, irrigation, domestic, and public supply water wells located in certain areas in South Caddo Parish during extended extraordinary drought conditions.

The Order allows for continued use of ground water for human consumption and agricultural purposes. Prescribed water conservation measures outlined in the Order include limitations on residential lawn and golf course fairway watering, washing of vehicles and equipment beyond what is necessary to achieve proper maintenance, the filling of ponds for aesthetic purposes, and the filling of pools beyond maintenance purposes. Industrial wells are prohibited from withdrawing water beyond what is necessary for human consumptive and agricultural purposes, and may not exceed withdrawal of 300 gallons per day for any other reason without the prior authorization from the Commissioner of Conservation.

LPSC Official Bulletin, August 19, 2011

LPSC Official Bulletin August 19, 2011

Attached you will find the most recent Official Bulletin published by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Interesting matters to note include a proposed Commission Order recommended by the LPSC Staff which addresses procedures for the enforcement of the payment of accurate Inspection and Supervision Fees, audit procedures, a hearing process and the establishment of fines and fees for the failure of Motor Carriers and Public Utilities to properly report and pay Inspection and Supervision Fees to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

The Bulletin also contains a detailed listing of pending Rate Applications, Requests for Authority, Letters of Non-Opposition, Citations, Adjudications, Rulemakings, Tariff Filings, Rate Authorities, Orders, and Case Schedule.

LPSC EPA Cross State Air Pollution Rule Technical Conference, August 26, 2011

LPSC Cross State Air Pollution Rule Workshop 8-26-11

Attached is the agenda for an upcomig technical conference hosted by the LPSC staff to discuss the EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule which was announced on July 7, 2011.

This is an extremely important matter for the LPSC, the state of Louisiana, and utility customers, in particular. There is legitimate concern that  implementation of the rule by the EPA as proposed will result in the shuttering of existing power plants unable to obtain compliance standards within the timeline proposed by the EPA. The shuttering of these power plants will likely result in higher rates for utility customers, and may also cause rolling blackouts in Texas and other areas due to insufficient power generation capacity.  The implementation of the EPA rule will require the LPSC and its staff to perform an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the costs that will be incurred by LPSC-jurisdictional utility companies in order to comply with the new rule, and the consequential implications on ratemaking and generation planning. This technical conference is the first step. All stakeholders in the utility industry(utilities, customers, investors, etc.) and interested parties should attend.

DOE Energy Savers Booklet: Tips for Saving Energy and Money at Home

It’s hot outside. I mean REALLY HOT! I was born in South Louisiana and have lived here pretty much my whole life, and each summer seems to be warmer than the previous. I don’t know anything about global warming or the causes of it, and I’m not going to go there, but I do know that it is HOT! On the other hand, maybe I’m just getting older.

Having worked for a major utility company for over 10 years, I learned many things. One common sense thing that I learned is that the easiest way to save money on your utility bill is to use less energy. In industy parlance this is called  Demand Side Management (“DMS”), and it is a buzz word these days. While there are lots of stories in the media about renewable power, green jobs, global warming, natural gas, etc., the issue is simple. It doesn’t matter how inexpensive your source of power generation is, or whether it is renewable power(wind, solar, hydroelectric), fossil generation(natural gas, coal, oil), or nuclear power, there is nothing cheaper than using less energy and not having to build more power plants, transmission, and distribution lines, etc. All of that extra cost for infrastructure and fuel(regardless of the source) is recovered from utility customers through higher rates.   

Attached to this message is a booklet provided by the US Department of Energy which gives very good information that the average homeowner can use to help use less energy. Using less energy will result in cost savings on their own energy bills, plus lessen the need for utility companies to build more power plants  and other infrastructure which will result in higher rates. 

I hope that you find the information interesting and helpful. EB 

US DOE Energy Savers