Louisiana Senate Bill SR146

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/16/10
• Passed: 6/16/10

Caption

Creates and provides for the Utility Consumer Advocate Study Group.

Impact

The establishment of a utility consumer advocate office is expected to significantly enhance the protection and representation of residential utility ratepayers in Louisiana. Currently, the regulatory landscape features a bifurcated system between the City Council of New Orleans and the Louisiana Public Service Commission, creating potential challenges in ensuring fair rates and services for residential consumers. By providing an advocate, the state would encourage a balance in representing the competing interests of both consumers and utility companies. This could lead to more equitable rates and better service for residential users who often lack the resources to navigate complex regulatory environments.

Summary

Senate Resolution 146, introduced by Senator Duplessis, aims to create a Utility Consumer Advocate Study Group in Louisiana. This study group is tasked with exploring the establishment of a utility consumer advocate office that would specifically represent residential ratepayers and operate independently from existing regulatory bodies. The initiative aligns with trends observed in forty other states and the District of Columbia, which already have similar advocates in place. This move is seen as an important step towards ensuring that residential consumers have a dedicated voice that can relay their concerns and interests in the decision-making processes of regulatory commissions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR146 appears to be generally positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and organizations like AARP and the Sierra Club, who are represented in the study group. These organizations are likely to support an independent advocacy office that can focus on the specific needs of residential consumers. However, there may be concern among utility companies about how such an advocate might influence regulations and rate decisions, leading to potential contention in discussions regarding the bill’s advancement and implementation.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding how the study group will balance the interests of residential consumers with those of utility companies. As the group comprises various stakeholders, including representatives from the Louisiana Public Service Commission and investor-owned utility companies, conflicts may emerge regarding the scope and influence of the proposed advocacy office. Additionally, the effectiveness of the study in addressing the disparities in legal representation between residential consumers and industrial/commercial consumers may be scrutinized, as advocates work toward building a more equitable regulatory framework.