Report says more frequent outages, higher rates in Louisiana ...
SWEPCO conducted work on powerlines on April 10, 2023, in the wake of a multi-day storm that left thousands without power across the Ark-La-Tex. A house on Willow Street in Uptown New Orleans was dark during an Entergy power outage on Thursday night, Aug. 10, 2023. Storm debris collected in Shreveport, Louisiana, was offloaded onto a pile at a site in the western part of the town on Thursday, July 20, 2023. 
Thunderstorms hit the area on June 16, causing power outages and downing trees. The University Lab School sat empty after an early morning power outage caused the cancellation of classes along with delays on the LSU campus on Monday, September 25, 2023, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An Entergy employee checked out a malfunctioning transformer that left nearby residents without power in Donaldsonville.
Louisiana's Electrical Grid Challenges
As governmental offices closed and the southern part of the state braced for traffic-snarling freezing precipitation, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office published a timely audit on challenges facing the state's electrical grid. According to the 42-page report, Louisiana residents are experiencing more frequent power outages.
The audit revealed that Louisiana's grid reliability fell short of the national average and worsened between 2013 and 2023. The state had more and longer outages than most other states in the southern region, even outside major events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The number of non-catastrophic event outages increased by over 14% in 2023, with the duration of those outages increasing by 50%. Louisiana experienced more outages compared to surrounding states, with the exception of Mississippi.
Customer Concerns and Regulatory Actions
The outages have led to customer frustration and concerns from the Louisiana Public Service Commission. 
In some parts of SWEPCO's territory, especially in Caddo Parish, residents have experienced frequent power outages, leading to investigations by regulatory bodies.
LSU in Baton Rouge had to cancel classes multiple times in 2023 due to power outages, prompting inquiries from local authorities. Across the state, residents fearing electrical outages have been installing natural gas-powered, whole-home generators, leading to utility issues. The LPSC has initiated an investigation into the use of these generators.
Impact on Louisiana's Energy Sector
Between January 2014 and May 2024, Louisiana experienced 47 weather disaster events with costs exceeding $1 billion. The state's reliance on natural gas for electricity generation, combined with extreme weather events, has led to fluctuations in energy prices.
Although Louisiana ranks around 25th in population size in the U.S., it is the third-highest electricity consumer. The industrial sector accounts for the majority of electricity usage in the state, with residential consumption also significant.
Future Plans and Recommendations
As Louisiana prepares for the establishment of energy-intensive AI data centers, efforts are being made to enhance the state's energy infrastructure. Diversifying energy sources and improving grid reliability are key priorities for regulatory bodies like the Public Service Commission.
The report highlights the need for policy changes to address issues such as electricity affordability for low-income households and ensuring grid resiliency during extreme weather events. The Public Service Commission is actively evaluating the state's electrical infrastructure to propose necessary improvements.
Overall, the audit underscores the importance of adapting to clean energy transitions, enhancing grid reliability, and addressing consumer needs in Louisiana's evolving energy landscape.
