The PSC District 2 elections are approaching, candidates are speaking out on utility prices and more

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – “The people of Louisiana want safe communities, they want jobs and opportunity, and they want affordable energy,” said Jean Paul Coussan, candidate for District 2 Public Service Commission.

Republicans Jean Paul Coussan and Julie Quinn and Democrat Nick Laborde explained how they believe progress can be made on energy in Louisiana, including utility rates.

“Our electricity prices in Louisiana are very reasonable. It’s about fees. They are the result of the hardening of the mesh.”

Laborde agrees that fees have been crippling families for some time and believes utilities need to do a better job of meeting consumer needs.

“They have a list that says the hurricane recovery fee, but it doesn’t say how long you pay it for or where it goes. I would love to see more explanation for consumers regarding these fees.”

Renewable energy was also a topic of discussion. Coussan sees opportunity in renewable resources, but wants residents to remember the economic impact such a change could have on the state’s agriculture industry.

“They will be less than probably 10% of the power grid capacity, but there are also some economic problems, such as the loss of agricultural land. There are also cultural issues because sugar cane is very important to the people of the entire district.”

Quinn sees potential, but worries that taxpayer dollars could be wasted if there is too much emphasis on renewable energy.

“I also have a serious problem with tax breaks where your money and mine are used for these types of transactions. If a business deal is profitable, let it stand on its own two feet. If a solar or wind farm wants to produce electricity, do it at your own expense. But it absolutely has to be part of our makeup, we just can’t rely on it.

Both Coussan and Quinn said they received campaign contributions from utility companies. Laborde says he has pledged not to take a cent from the utility company.

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