Power Coalition's Public Service Commission Platform
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Louisiana families face some of the highest energy burdens in the country while living in one of its most economically vulnerable states. The Public Service Commission (PSC) exists to safeguard the public interest, not corporate utility profits. We are calling on all candidates for Public Service Commissioner to pledge their commitment to the following four pillars of utility accountability:
- Establish an Independent Consumer Advocate
Louisiana is one of only three states (alongside GA and ID) without a designated Office of Consumer Advocate.Establish an independent advocate, either within the Attorney General’s office or as a standalone agency, to represent residential ratepayers in all PSC proceedings. - Improve Constituency Involvement and Community Relations
Modernize PSC proceedings by creating more opportunity for the public to engage. PSC meetings sometimes feel exclusionary and not a place for residents to engage. Open the doors for more constituent involvement. For example, hosting field hearings across the state gives impacted communities direct access to commissioners in more welcoming environments. - Commit to Agenda Transparency
Mandate that any agenda modifications be publicly reported at least 48 hours prior to meetings. Additionally, provide full notice of rate case developments. Citizens’ voices matter in public meetings, and they should be adequately notified of substantial agenda items in a timely manner. - Require Public Data Reporting
U.S. Energy Information Association’s Form EIA-112 requires that utilities report and track residential shutoffs and disconnections for nonpayment. Currently, the PSC does not track this information. Mandate that the commission collect and publicly report data on these instances to give the Louisianans a clearer view of the practices of their utilities.
- End Predatory Fees
Louisiana currently sits among the highest in the nation late fees and disconnection charges. Other states have significantly lower charges or don’t have them at all. Eliminate or significantly reduce late fees and disconnection charges so that working families can afford their necessities. - Implement Fair Rate Structures
Over 18% of Louisiana residents fall below the poverty line. Many companies across the country make arrangements within their pay structure to fit their customers. Push utilities to transition to equitable rate designs, including income-percentage-based payment plans, pay-as-you-go options, and targeted low-income rate structures to better serve Louisianans. - Fund Weatherization & Residential Energy Efficiency
In a state with our extreme weather events, Louisianans deserve more thoughtful consideration of their immediate needs for weatherization and energy efficiency. Investment in residential updates will protect people in extreme weather and save them money in our hard seasonal events. Allocate dedicated state funds for low-income weatherization and ensure the equitable implementation of the Senate Resolution 148 task force to streamline LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) delivery. - Liberate Costs of Incarcerated People’s Communications Services (IPCS)
In the nation’s poorest state and ‘prison capital’ of the world, communications with loved ones who are incarcerated is costing the average Louisiana resident $100+ per month or an average of 5% of their monthly budget. Communication with external community is a violence suppressor, an active rehabilitator, and a parenting program. Push for action from the FCC under the Martha Wright Reed Act and work to secure funding to make all calls free in Louisiana.
- Protect Vulnerable Residents During Extreme Weather
Thousands of Americans die annually due to heat related causes. Louisiana’s average summer temperature is in the upper 80s. Protecting Louisianans from unnecessary bodily stress when they cannot afford to pay bills should be a priority. Advance a state funded energy efficiency frameworks to help residents lower energy consumption and reduce monthly bills. - Hold Utilities Accountable for Outages
Many areas around Louisiana experience unexplained or unplanned power outages that are of no direct result of weather or infrastructure damage. People depend on reliable electricity for work, medical devices, food storage and cooking, and many day to day activities. Allowing utilities to toy with people’s livelihood should not be readily allowed. Establish financial and regulatory penalties for unexplained or recurring service outages. - Modernize and Strengthen the Grid
With the frequency of hurricanes, tropical storms, and extreme heat events, along with the increased presence of data centers statewide, Louisiana’s grid is under significant strain. This strain could cause blackouts and delays in restoring power after a major weather event. Invest in long-term resilience through Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), strategic under-grounding of power lines, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and Community Solar Hubs.
- Protect Vulnerable Residents During Extreme Weather
Thousands of Americans die annually due to heat related causes. Louisiana’s average summer temperature is in the upper 80s. Protecting Louisianans from unnecessary bodily stress when they cannot afford to pay bills should be a priority. Advance a state funded energy efficiency frameworks to help residents lower energy consumption and reduce monthly bills. - Hold Utilities Accountable for Outages
Many areas around Louisiana experience unexplained or unplanned power outages that are of no direct result of weather or infrastructure damage. People depend on reliable electricity for work, medical devices, food storage and cooking, and many day to day activities. Allowing utilities to toy with people’s livelihood should not be readily allowed. Establish financial and regulatory penalties for unexplained or recurring service outages. - Modernize and Strengthen the Grid
With the frequency of hurricanes, tropical storms, and extreme heat events, along with the increased presence of data centers statewide, Louisiana’s grid is under significant strain. This strain could cause blackouts and delays in restoring power after a major weather event. Invest in long-term resilience through Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), strategic under-grounding of power lines, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and Community Solar Hubs.
The Power Coalition for Electoral Justice is a C4 civic engagement table for the state of Louisiana. We are focused on building collective power to create lasting change through an integrated civic engagement strategy that amplifies the voices of those who have historically been ignored and organize them into a unified movement under the banner of Power. The Power Coalition uses principles of coalition and community building to advance equity and justice in communities and formulate effective strategies for real solutions.
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Continuum of Power
Expanding the Electorate
- More Black and Brown Voters
- Engagement of More Black and Brown Voters in the Political Process
Electoral Justice
- Ensuring stability of the democratic process
Representation
- Candidate Schools and Elected official trainings
- Black People and other people of color are represented fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward