LPSC Proposed Agenda October 12, 2011 Meeting

LPSC Proposed Agenda 10-12-2011 Meeting

Attached you will find the proposed agenda for the upcoming meeting of the Louisiana Public Service Commission to be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 9:00am at 400 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. This month’s proposed agenda includes many interesting topics including a request for a rate increase from the Louisiana Household Goods Carriers Association, a ratification by the LPSC of the 2011 Annual Report of LURC regarding EGS-La and ELL storm cost recovery for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita , and Gustav and Ike, as well as a request by Entergy to an Extension of the Formula Rate Plan for EGS-La and ELL. There are other interesting topics as well, and it should be an informative meeting.

Kansas Sues EPA on CSAPR Rule

 PLEASE READ THIS. YOU NEED TO BE AWARE. This is the first in a series of posts that I will be making on this extremely important topic. The state of Kansas filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) challenging the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The rule which was finalized by the EPA earlier this year is intended to prevent air pollution from states from contributing to air-quality problems in downwind states. The rule has an effective date of January 1, 2012, and, as written, will require utilities around the country to install hundreds of millions of dollars in new emission control equipment, or shut down existing generation capacity that does not meet the new required emission standards. It is estimated that upwards of 25% of the generating capacity in the United States may be shut down completely or severely curtailed. This will lead to complete blackouts in some areas, and rolling brownouts in many areas. The time frame adopted by the EPA  is far too short for utility companies to have a realistic chance to make the necessary changes. Moreover, this isn’t even considering the huge impact that the massive investments will have on electricity rates for consumers.  It is rumored that the state of Texas will file suit soon. My next post will outline the steps that the Louisiana Public Service Commission is taking to address this extremely critical issue.

Entergy New Orleans Lowers Electric and Gas Rates by $14.7 Million per year

http://mobile.nola.com/advnola/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=VN9hPoaF&full=true#display

Some good news for the customers of Entergy New Orleans. The Company and the City Council have agreed upon a rate reduction in electric and gas rates that will go into effect later this year. Good work!

Tuscaloosa Marine Shale: Commissioner of Conservation Recommendation on Water Sources

DNR Conservation August 2011-TMS-Ground-Water-Resource

Louisiana’s Commissioner of Conservation Jim Welsh has made recommendations regarding the use of water resources that will be necessary for the hydraulic fracture stimulation operations related to the development of the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale. Please read the attachment for more information.