• Commissioners approved Entergy Louisiana’s Adams Creek-Robert 230kV transmission project, a high-voltage line on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, despite objections from ALJ and Louisiana Energy Users Group (LEUG).
• Skrmetta steps down from RTO roles, Francis to fill in for the remainder of the year.
• Rep. Stephanie Hilferty spoke against the Commission taking up item U-37584, saying the last minute addition to the agenda did not give Magnolia Water constituents appropriate notice to appear at the meeting and speak.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission’s (LPSC) June meeting included a notable decision to override an Administrative Law Judge's recommendation and approve a major Entergy Louisiana transmission project, and a surprise shake-up at the meeting's close.

Commission Rejects ALJ, Greenlights Entergy Transmission Line

The most consequential item on the agenda was the Commission's decision to approve Entergy Louisiana's application to certify the Adams Creek-Robert 230kV transmission project, a high-voltage line on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

The path to approval was not straightforward. An Administrative Law Judge had previously recommended the project be denied, concluding it did not serve the public convenience and necessity, was not in the public interest, and would not benefit ratepayers. The Louisiana Energy Users Group echoed that position, urging the Commission to follow the ALJ's guidance.

Entergy pushed back, arguing the project would reduce the risk of load shed events, pointing specifically to the May 2025 New Orleans load shed event, and would add flexibility to future generation planning. LPSC staff did not oppose a public interest finding for the project.

Commissioner Skrmetta moved to reject the ALJ's recommendation outright and find the project in the public interest, arguing that its benefits outweigh its costs. Commissioner Francis seconded the motion, and it passed without opposition - a win for Entergy.

Skrmetta Steps Down from Regional Energy Roles

In a move that caught many in the room off guard, Chair Skrmetta closed the meeting by voluntarily stepping down from a set of influential regional representative positions and nominating Commissioner Francis to fill them for the remainder of 2026.

Francis will now serve as the LPSC's representative to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the Entergy Regional States Subcommittee (ERSC), three bodies where the Commission's designated representative casts votes and makes decisions on the Commission's behalf. No reason was given for the transition, and no commissioner objected.

The move is significant. These are not purely ceremonial posts. The representative wields influence over regional grid policy and energy market decisions that ultimately affect Louisiana ratepayers.

Procedural Notice Controversy Over Water Utility Item

Before the Commission moved to its weightier agenda items, State Representative Stephanie Hilferty - a candidate for LPSC District 1 - raised concerns over the handling of a Formula Rate Plan (FRP) extension request from Magnolia Water Utility Operating Company. Hilferty publicly noted that the item had been placed on the agenda at the last minute, leaving members of the public without adequate notice or opportunity to attend and speak. During her time, Hilferty asked the commission to stop the deal, and highlighted widespread ratepayer frustration over climbing water bills and poor water quality. 

Other Agenda Items Included:

• Commissioner Coussan provided an update on an ongoing rulemaking directive related to independent power production, noting that a procedural schedule is expected to be issued within days, and a technical conference is being planned with the goal of finalizing rules before the end of 2026. Coussan said the conference will be open to the public, and notice will be sent to existing intervenors and posted on the Commission's website.
  
  LPSC staff encouraged broad participation in the technical conference, welcoming subject matter experts from industry groups alongside legal representatives. Coussan made clear he wants more engineers than lawyers at the table; staff suggested the clarification was for a more conversational approach to the conference. 

• The Commission also handled two items related to Cleco Power. First, it approved a renewal of Cleco's blanket financing authorization with minor modifications, extending the authorization through 2027 in line with staff recommendations. The vote was unanimous.

The second Cleco item drew more deliberation. The Commission voted to retain outside counsel for a pending docket concerning a proposed change of ownership and control of Cleco Power LLC and its parent, Cleco Partners L.P. Two firms submitted bids — Fishman Haygood at $325,000 and Patrick Miller at $185,000. A motion was made to go with the lower-cost option, but the Commission ultimately selected Fishman Haygood without opposition.

The LPSC will not meet in July, but will reconvene on August 12 at 9:00am in the Galvez Building in Baton Rouge. You can watch Louisiana PSC meetings here: https://www.youtube.com/@louisianapsc.

Southern Renewable Energy Association and Powering Louisiana write these stories because regulatory decisions shape everyday life, from affordability to reliability, and yet they’re still often a mystery to the average consumer. Our aim is to provide transparent recaps of these meetings and show how you can participate in public comment or hearings. Keep up with all things Louisiana by following Powering Louisiana on Facebook and sign up for email updates.