Customers who save on electric bills could be forced to pay utility company for lost profits
Louisiana’s major electric utilities are still pushing state regulators to allow them to charge customers for the costs of a new statewide energy efficiency program and for the electricity customers will no longer need because of that program.
A large group that included Louisiana Public Service Commission staff, utility company executives, consumer advocates and other energy experts met Wednesday to evaluate bids from companies that want to oversee Louisiana’s new energy efficiency program.
The LPSC’s new energy efficiency program will require utility companies to meet certain energy savings targets the administrator sets. Hitting those targets could require big changes from utilities, such as systemwide upgrades, or smaller efforts like helping low-income customers insulate their homes.
While the idea might seem like a straightforward solution to cut back on waste, utility company executives aren’t very happy with it. In general, utility companies earn more profit when homes and businesses waste electricity. Less waste leads to lower electric bills, which could mean lower profits for the utilities.
https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2024/07/26/customers-who-save-on-electric-bills-could-be-forced-to-pay-utility-company-for-lost-profits/