The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and the Utility, Cable, Telecommunications, and Technology Committee of New Orleans held a joint meeting on April 15 to discuss legislation affecting local utilities and energy programs.
The meeting addressed key updates to the city’s approach to distributed energy resources (DER), which include battery storage and related technologies. The committees heard a presentation from Council Advisors outlining the background, purpose, and proposed implementation plan for Docket UD-24-02. According to the presentation, the DER program is designed to expand access through a vendor-neutral framework while updating policies for Entergy New Orleans.
Recent council resolutions have shaped this process. Resolution R-24-624 set up a ten-month procedural schedule that led to Resolution R-25-669 approving a ten-year DER program with an initial three-year ramp-up period. After reviewing Entergy’s March 2026 plan submission, the committee requested more detailed information on budgets and consumer protections. Deadlines were set for public comments by June 22, an advisor report by July 22, and final certification by August 6.
Following these discussions, the committee recommended approval of Resolution UD-24-02 for consideration by the full City Council. The members also supported Ordinance No. 35,422 amending Chapter 158 of the City Code regarding regulation of public utilities such as electricity and gas providers. This ordinance aims to strengthen customer protections against unfair practices or unclear billing while making regulatory case handling more structured.
In addition to policy matters, two customer appeals involving Sewerage and Water Board bills were reviewed. In one case involving a $2,651 dispute—despite earlier credits—the appeal was denied due to late filing and lack of evidence supporting further reductions. In another case where partial credit had been awarded after arbitration for issues like leaks or meter problems, additional credits totaling over $950 were approved along with waivers for penalties.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts by city leaders to balance utility oversight with customer rights as new technologies are integrated into local infrastructure.