The transfer of ownership of Cleco Power to a group of private investors could be complete by the end of the month, despite opponents of the deal having filed a request to rehear. The Alliance for Affordable Energy continues to speak out against the Macquarie/Cleco LBO. Click on the link below to read The Town […]
Alliance for Affordable Energy calls for review of Cleco credit ratings
The Alliance for Affordable Energy is urging credit ratings agencies to review the details of the sale and is urging the Public Service Commission to revisit its approval of the deal (the approval made on 03/28). For the full story follow the link listed below.
The Town Talk Letter to the Editor – Cleco sale not what is best for people of LA
During a Special Session held on March 28th, 2016 the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the previously denied sale of Cleco Power to Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. Please read the letter to the editor listed below. The Alliance for Affordable Energy and Chariman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission Clyde Holloway are not the […]
The Town Talk – Cleco sale approved
At a special session on March 28th, 2016 the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the previously rejected Cleco/Macquarie sale. For the full story and to read the statement made by CEO of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Casey DeMoss, click on the link listed below.
AP/ABC News – Cleco sale approved
At a special session on March 28th, 2016 the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the previously rejected Cleco/Macquarie sale. For the full story and to read the statement made by CEO of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Casey DeMoss, click on the link listed below.
Law360.com – Cleco sale denied
On February 24th the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the Cleco sale was not in the public’s best interest. For Law360.com’s coverage of the Cleco sale rejection click on the link listed below.
KADN – Cleco buyout rejected
On February 24th the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the proposed Cleco sale was not in the public’s best interest. For KADN‘s coverage of the 02/24 LPSC meeting click on the link listed below.
Utility Dive – Cleco sale denied
On February 24th, 2016 the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the Cleco sale was not in the public’s best interest. For the full Utility Dive insight about the denial of the Cleco sale click on the link listed below.
The Town Talk – Cleco sale denied
On February 24th the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the Cleco sale was not in the public’s best interest. For The Town Talk’s full story click on the link listed below.
The Advocate – Cleco sale denied
On February 24th, 2016 Louisiana Public Service Commissioners ruled that the sale of Cleco Power to Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets is not in the public’s best interest. For The Advocate’s full coverage of the 02/24 Louisiana Public Service Commission meeting click on the link listed below.
Forbes analysis of Cleco stock prices
Forbes gives analysis of Cleco stock prices the day the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the Cleco/Macquarie sale was not in the public’s best interest (02/24). For the full analysis click on the link listed below.
New Orleans Sun Times – Cleco sale up for approval
New Orleans Sun Times discusses the upcoming vote by the Louisiana Public Service Commissioner to approve or not approve the proposed Cleco sale. For the full story click on the link listed below.
KALB TV – Chairman of LPSC opposes Cleco sale
The Chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission Clyde Holloway has stated publicly that he does not support the proposed Cleco sale. KALB TV reports on Chairman Holloway’s statement about the proposed Cleco sale. For the full story click on the link below
The Franklin Independent discusses Cleco stock prices
The Franklin Independent of Franklin, Louisiana discusses Cleco Power stock. For the full story click on the link listed below.
Equities.com discusses stock prices of Cleco Power
Local and national entities have taken notice of the proposed Cleco sale. Equities.com reports on stock prices of Cleco Power during the month of February. February 24th is the date of the Louisiana Public Service Commission B & E meeting where Commissioners will decide if the Cleco/Macquarie sale will be approved or not. For the […]
The Reading Eagle reports on proposed Cleco sale
The Reading Eagle of Reading, PA reports on the Administrative Law Judge ruling that the Cleco sale is not in the public’s best interest. To read the full story click on the link listed below. Background about proposed Cleco/Macquarie sale: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the target of a private […]
WDSU reports on ALJ ruling that Cleco sale not in public’s best interest
WDSU TV New Orleans reports on Administrative Law Judge Valerie Seal Meiner’s ruling that the proposed Cleco sale is not in the public’s best interest. To view the full story click on the link listed below. Background about proposed Cleco/Macquarie sale: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the target of a […]
KALB TV – ALJ rules Cleco Sale not in public’s best interest
KALB TV coverage of Administrative Law Judge Valerie Seal Meiner’s ruling that proposed Cleco sale is not in the public’s best interest. For KALB TV’s coverage of ALJ Meiner’s ruling on proposed Cleco sale click on the link below. Background: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the target of a private […]
The Town Talk FAQ about proposed Cleco sale
The proposed sale of Cleco to a group of foreign investors has raised a lot of questions. Alexandria, LA’s ‘The Town Talk’ answers some frequently asked questions about the proposed Cleco/Macquarie sale. Background about proposed Cleco/Macquarie sale: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the target of a private equity takeover bid […]
WWL ‘The Think Tank’ discusses proposed Cleco sale
WWL Radio’s ‘The Think Tank’ with Garland Robinette interviews CEO of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Casey DeMoss and President of Cleco Power, Darren Olagues about the proposed Cleco sale. To hear the interviews click on the link below. Background about proposed Cleco/Macquarie sale: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the […]
Bloomberg News paying attention to proposed Cleco sale
The proposed sale of Cleco to a group of foreign investors has caught the eye of Bloomberg News columnists. For Bloomberg News coverage about the proposed Cleco sale click on the link below. Background: Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the target of a private equity takeover bid by […]
The Daily Iberian – New Iberia Town Hall Meeting regarding proposed Cleco sale
On February 18th the Alliance for Affordable Energy hosted three Town Hall meetings to inform people about the risks involved in the proposed Cleco sale. Click on the link below for The Daily Iberian’s coverage of the New Iberia Town Hall meeting. Background : Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utility companies, is the […]
Letter to the Editor – Cleco sale not in public’s best interest
Officials, like Louisiana Public Service Commissoner Clyde Holloway and Administrative Law Judge Valerie Seals Meiner have agreed that the proposed Cleco sale is not in the public interest. Many Louisiana citizens also agree that this deal is not good for the people of Louisiana. Click on the link below to read a letter to the […]
Customers and Officials concerned about Cleco takeover
The Alliance for Affordable Energy held a Town Hall meeting in New Iberia, LA. Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utilities, is the target of a private equity takeover by a foreign-owned investment group, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, based in Sydney, Australia. For more details about the proposed Cleco sale click on […]
Town Hall meetings held to educate public about proposed Cleco takeover
Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utilities, is the target of a private equity takeover by a foreign-owned investment group, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, based in Sydney, Australia. The Alliance for Affordable Energy (The Alliance) has continuously spoken out against this proposed sale. The Alliance will hold three Town Hall meetings on […]
Alliance for Affordable Energy holds Town Hall meetings about Cleco takeover
Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utilities, is the target of a private equity takeover by a foreign-owned investment group, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, based in Sydney, Australia. The Alliance for Affordable Energy (The Alliance) has continuously spoken out against this proposed sale. The Alliance will hold three Town Hall meetings on […]
Proposed Cleco takeover – ALJ recommends against sale
Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utilities, is the target of a private equity takeover by a foreign-owned investment group, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, based in Sydney, Australia. “Administrative Law Judge Valerie Seal Meiners joined commission staff in recommending against the sale as currently structured.” The Alliance for Affordable Energy has continuously spoken […]
Town Hall Meeting to discuss Cleco Takeover
The Alliance for Affordable Energy will hold a Town Hall meeting in New Iberia, LA. This Town Hall is being held to educate the public about the risk involved in the proposed Cleco takover. Cleco Power, the oldest of Louisiana’s major electric utilities, is the target of a private equity takeover by a foreign-owned investment […]
Our take on the LA Commissioner’s approval of Cleco sale
Monday’s (March 28th) Louisiana Public Service Commission decision to allow the Cleco/Macquarie purchase to take place is a prime example in how not to create good public policy. Despite Macquarie’s new promises made, the fundamental flaws of the deal for the foreign investment firm to purchase Louisiana’s oldest utility are still present. The Alliance for […]
LA Commissioners allow sale of Cleco
After a special session on Monday, March 28th, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted to approve the sale of Cleco to Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets for $ 4.9 billion. The Alliance for Affordable Energy has steadfastly opposed the sale. Click here to read what Alliance for Affordable Energy’s CEO, Casey DeMoss had to say […]
Town Talk coverage of Cleco sale 02/24/16
On February 24th the Louisiana Public Service Commission denied the sale of Cleco utility to a group of foreign investors lead by Sydney-based Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. The sale presented many long-term risks that the LPSC deemed not in the public interest. Read here about what the Alliance for Affordable Energy’s CEO had to […]
Rejection of Cleco sale casts shadow for foreign investors
At the Louisiana Public Service Commission B & E meeting on February 24th the LPSC voted against the sale of Cleco to a group of foreign investors. “Public Service Commission Chairman Clyde Holloway described the sale of Cleco to Macquarie as “Wall Street greed” during the panel’s meeting on Wednesday. “It’s all hedge funds,” he […]
Commissioners reject $5 billion sale of Cleco
At the February 24th meeting the Louisiana Public Service Commission ruled that the $ 5 billion sale of Cleco to foreign investors was not in the public interest. Read The Advocate’s coverage of the proposed Cleco sale.
Louisiana Business Owner Speaks Out Against proposed CLECO sale
The fight to keep CLECO local is not over yet. A Toledo Bend business owner is speaking out against the CLECO sale. Here is what Mr. Randy Ziegler had to say about the proposed CLECO sale: “Our task of protecting the CLECO customers is again being challenged. On Monday, March 7th CLECO and their […]
Louisiana’s Utility in Peril
CLECO Report The proposed takeover of Cleco Power led by the Macquarie Group poses significant financial risks to customers throughout the state of Louisiana. We have developed a report that is proof positive that if this deal goes through, customers who already pay the highest rates in the state would be exposed to an array of […]
Money, Politics, and the Business of Monopolies
Read the report: Money, Politics, and the Business of Monopolies Report The Alliance’s report on the ethics around campaign contributions and the power dynamics of Louisiana’s regulated monopolies is getting plenty of press. Take a look at what people are saying, and click the report above to learn how “Regulatory Capture” works. The Advocate – ‘Inappropriate […]
SOLAR: Landmark year takes shape in La. as policy changes loom (EnergyWire)
“Reprinted from EnergyWire with permission from Environment & Energy Publishing, LLC.http://www.eenews.net. 202/628-6500” SOLAR: Landmark year takes shape in La. as policy changes loom Edward Klump, E&E reporter EnergyWire: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 As lawmakers seek budget savings and regulators mull […]
Guide to Louisiana’s Views on Net-Metering
Net-Metering policy in Louisiana is pretty simple. We have retail net-metering, with unlimited roll-over, and compensation for excess credits when the account is terminated at avoided cost. This isn’t the most generous net-metering policy but it’s not bad either. Unfortunately, this policy is only available to about 10,000 customers in Louisiana. We have a “hard cap” […]
Pro-Utility Consultant Inadvertently Writes Pro-Solar Report
Miscalculations In the Billions Baton Rouge, LA – Arriving four months late, the much anticipated cost / benefit analysis for Louisiana solar is finally here. The report’s conclusions were predicted last year when the consulting firm, Acadian Consulting, was hired. Acadian is a firm infamous for heavy bias towards utilities. Despite the biased report’s conclusions, […]
PSC Reinstates Energy Efficiency Programs!
Baton Rouge, LA – November 1 is the day that Entergy, SWEPCO, and Cleco customers will have access to Energy Efficiency programs. Utility scaled energy efficiency programs have proven to be the most affordable way to control energy demand. Rather than investing hundreds of millions of dollars in building new power plants, utility companies can […]
In Case You Missed It…Louisiana Public Service Commission(LPSC) September 10, 2014 Meeting Agenda
In case you missed it, the Agenda for the upcoming September 10, 2014 can be found by clicking HERE The supplemental agenda can be found by clicking HERE The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge, however, if you are not able to be there in person, NO WORRIES!! You can find out what […]
Louisiana Public Service Commission(LPSC) Meeting Agenda, September 10, 2014
The agenda for the upcoming Louisiana Public Service Commission(LPSC) Meeting can be found by clicking on the link below: http://lpscstar.louisiana.gov/star/ViewFile.aspx?Id=f9b3ed16-a455-4240-aeaf-34b4dcd65533
Forest Wright Begins A New Campaign.
After 9 years of work, Forest Wright has ended his tenure with the Alliance for Affordable Energy. Forest has campaigned tirelessly for our mission’s values of fair, affordable, environmentally responsible energy. In a letter, Forest stated , “I continue to look for new ways to serve the public interest and ensure Louisiana continues it’s progress toward […]
Conflict on the Westbank, also known as “The Algiers Rate Case”
The term “rate case” sounds so tame. In Algiers, the better term would be “rate war” because it was bloody. We have never seen anything so brutal. Entergy Louisiana (ELL) tried to strike the testimony of AARP’s expert for not being qualified; she has over 20 years of experience testifying before public service commissions across […]
Update from the Latest Louisiana Public Service Commission Meeting
At the latest LPSC meeting, it was decided that Acadian Consulting would be hired to collaborate with the Commission on the EPA’s proposed carbon emission plan. Below is a detailed report on the decision, provided by the Cruthirds Report. The Cruthirds Report is a detailed newsletter concerning regulatory developments in the energy industry. It is […]
Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) Meeting Agenda 7/09/2014
Click the links below to see the agenda for the LPSC meeting this Wednesday, July 9th. LPSC Meeting Agenda 07/09/2014 LPSC Supplemental Agenda 07/09/2014
Latest on Solar Net-Metering Policy at the LA PSC
The stalemate over solar power and net-energy metering continues at the Louisiana Public Service Commission. For nearly a year, commissioners have delayed discussion of a proposal by District 3 Commissioner Lambert Boissiere, D-New Orleans, to require electric utilities to receive certification from the PSC that they have reached a PSC-imposed limit of .5 percent of […]
Louisiana Utilities Commit to Implementing Energy Efficiency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Louisiana Utilities Commit to Implementing Energy Efficiency FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Forest Wright, Alliance for Affordable Energy, 504-208-7597 Louisiana Utilities Commit to Implementing Energy Efficiency Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana’s three largest electric utilities, Entergy, SWEPCO, and CLECO, have made good on their recent commitments to the Pubic Service Commission and formally […]
Rollin’ on the River
By Max Neubauer, Senior Policy Analyst, ACEEE Like the great river that is its namesake, Mississippi has been moving swiftly along on efforts to save residents and businesses money on their energy bills, and as a result is becoming a regional leader in energy efficiency. Governor Phil Bryant, the Mississippi Legislature, and the Mississippi Public Service […]
A Great Day for Energy Efficiency in Louisiana
Yesterday in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to reinstate the statewide plan for energy efficiency that had been voted down in February. Following some minor revisions and further public comments, the program is set to resume in mid July at which point Louisiana as a whole can start to benefit from […]
Efficiency Works for Louisiana
Why does Louisiana need an energy efficiency plan? Efficiency Works for homes and businesses by slashing energy waste and boosting the bottom line. The national average to operate an efficient commercial building is $1.00 per sq.ft. In Louisiana, we’re at DOUBLE the standard; we’re paying between $1.50 and $2/sq ft! Louisiana families pay energy bills out of step […]
Action Needed for Energy Efficiency in Louisiana
The Louisiana Public Service Commission realized that the Energy Efficiency vote in February was not handled in the best way. Hence, the commission will be bringing the energy efficiency rules back up for a vote tomorrow but THIS TIME, the public will be allowed to speak. Last time we lost the rules but we’ve got another […]
Energy Efficiency To Be Voted On AGAIN!
On Wednesday, June 26th, the Louisiana Public Service Commission will be voting on whether or not to join 46 other states in delivering energy efficiency programs to lower bills for Louisiana families and businesses. The Commission realized that the Energy Efficiency vote in February was not handled in the best way. Hence, the commission will be bringing […]
News round up 6/11
Hot off the press and the latest in energy policy in Louisiana and the greater United States. The Advocate http://theadvocate.com/news/opinion/6191688-123/letter-ask-psc-to-rethink Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterdetwiler/2013/06/11/2013-q1-update-u-s-solar-industry-keeps-chugging-along/ NOLA.com http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/06/solar_panel_green_energy_la_bi.html
AAE Files Lawsuit: Putting the Public Back into the Public Service Commission
On the February 27, 2013 LPSC Business and Executive meeting, Commissioner Eric Skrmetta set the tone by refusing to allow public testimony on the issue of the Energy Efficiency rules, and instead angered numerous attendees. By violating the public’s right to speak, AAE, the Sierra Club, and the Louisiana Environmental Action Network decided to take […]
Solar Shines On, For Now
For everyone who made such a big push to get the word out about Net Metering at the Louisiana Public Service Commission – A HUGE THANK YOU! We are happy to say that we won the battle and Comm. Holloway was unable to muster the votes to overhaul our net metering rules. While the war […]
Campaign Launch: Voices of Louisiana Solar
Just two months after the widely criticized decision to kill energy efficiency, the Public Service Commission is considering a power grab from Louisiana’s Solar PV owners. In response, the Alliance and GSREIA are proud to launch The Voices of Louisiana Solar, a new media project focused on highlighting stories from the solar community! Visit http://www.voicesofsolar.org […]
Response to Cmmr Skrmetta on the Energy Efficiency Rules
Casey DeMoss Roberts Commissioner Skrmetta recently published an article in several news sources across Louisiana explaining his recent move at the Public Service Commission. His action to overturn Louisiana’s recently adopted energy efficiency (EE) law was strongly criticized by two of the most reputable conservative publications in the nation – Bloomberg Business Week and Forbes […]
Setting the Record Straight on the Energy Efficiency Rules
LPSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta recently responded to the national criticism he has received for repealing the Energy Efficiency rules in a blog post. This fact sheet seeks to highlight Skrmetta’s mistaken claims and the discrepancies between his response and facts behind the Energy Efficiency rules. View Skrmetta’s blog post here: http://thehayride.com/2013/03/skrmetta-why-we-dumped-the-lpscs-energy-efficiency-program/ Claim: $30 million was spent […]
The Advocate Posts Letter to the Editor
With the Energy Efficiency rules debate gaining momentum, more media attention has been given to the matter. The Advocate posted an opinion piece about these issues, written by the Sierra Club’s Gulf States representative Jordan Macha. Click here for the link
Louisiana Public Service Commission backs out on efficiency rules
In a bizarre reversal last Wednesday, the Louisiana Public Service Commission repealed the energy efficiency rules they had just passed in December, thereby undoing their first and only step toward saving customers money through efficiency. The impetus for the rollback of existing regulations? Retirement of a Commissioner supportive of the policy; A new Commission Chairman inclined to […]
More Media Attention Given to Repeal of EE Rules
Check out yet another article on the LPSC’s decision to delay energy efficiency programs in Louisiana! Click here for the link
Casey Roberts hosts WTUL 91.5
Tomorrow – Wednesday 13 at 8 am our Executive Director Casey Roberts will be hosting a radio show on WTUL 91.5 FM discussing LPSC and the Energy Efficiency rules. Tune in to hear a great show!
ACEEE weighs in LPSC Decision
Louisiana Takes a Big Step Backward on Energy Efficiency and Customers Will Pay the Price March 4, 2013 By Maggie Molina, State Policy Program Senior Manager Last Wednesday was a sad day for energy efficiency in Louisiana, and customers will end up paying the price. In a sudden move, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to overturn […]
Rug Ripped Out From Under Ratepayers
Louisiana Public Service Commission Snatches Energy Efficiency Programs Away Baton Rouge, LA – The energy efficiency rules were good rules. They were not aggressive, nor innovative. They didn’t need to be. There was no reason to recreate the wheel when forty-six other states and the City of New Orleans had already figured it out. Over […]
First Bloomberg, Now Forbes!
After an upsetting retraction of the Energy Efficiency rules last Wednesday, the nation has turned its attention to the State of Louisiana. The rest of the nation recognizes Louisiana’s need for energy efficiency. It’s time for us to get on board! http://www.businessweek.com http://www.forbes.com As the battle for the Energy Efficiency rules continues on, we’ve made tons of […]
SKRMETTA MOVES AGAINST RATEPAYERS
Skrmetta files for Reconsideration of State-Wide Energy Efficiency Rules As sneaky and underhanded actions go, Commissioner Skrmetta’s recent move sets a new standard for low. After more than three years work, the Louisiana Public Service Commission successfully passed Energy Efficiency Rules in December creating statewide Energy Efficiency programs to help families and businesses save money. […]
LPSC Business and Executive Meeting Jan. 30, 2013
The LPSC Business and Executive meeting held in Baton Rouge this past Wednesday began with the election of new chairs. Eric Skrmetta was selected as Chair and Clyde Holloway was selected as Vice Chair. Skrmetta, who is the representative to ERSC and MISO, announced that MISO will be joining the Regional Transmission Organization. The agenda did […]
ACEE Provides Guidance on Energy Efficiency in Louisiana
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ( http://aceee.org/ ) has announced that it will be releasing an in-depth report on opportunities for energy efficiency in the state of Louisiana and suggestions for program design and implimentation. The ACEEE will use this report tohelp guide the LPSC and New Orleans City Council in developing its […]
Policy Update 1/8/2013
Net-Meter Backlog Leaves Orleans Parish Solar Residents in the Dark. Hundreds of completed solar arrays are lounging around on roofs across New Orleans unable to work for residents who have invested in clean energy. Before a residential solar system can be hooked into the grid, the city council must issue a permit and Entergy must install […]
