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!

LPSC Securitization for Little Gypsy Repowering Project

LPSC Press Release on Little Gypsy Bond Refinancing 9-15-11

LPSC Bond Deal Saves Entergy Customers Millions in Financing Costs/Alternative Financing Structure Saves Ratepayers Millions of Dollars versus Conventional Utility Financing Methods

Attached is a press release by the LPSC which discusses the recent sale of $207 million of ratepayer backed bonds to pay for the costs associated with the  Little Gypsy 3 Repowering Project. By virtue of the use of Act 988 passed by the Louisiana Legislature in  2010 to provide new financing methods for utility companies in instances like this, the LPSC has been able to save Entergy Louisiana ratepayers over $80 Million in capital costs versus what would have otherwise been incurred using traditional utility financing methods.

LPSC August 2011 Residential Gas Bill Comparison

LPSC Copy of August 2011 Residential Gas Bill Comparison

Attached you will find a copy of the August 2011 Residential Gas Bill Comparison compiled by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.