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 new legislation and review updates to the city’s Distributed Energy Resource (DER) program.
The discussion is significant as it addresses how New Orleans will expand access to technologies like battery storage through a vendor-neutral approach while ensuring consumer protections. The committees also considered changes to utility regulations affecting electricity and gas providers in the city.
During the meeting, Council Advisors presented background information on Docket UD-24-02, outlining its purpose and proposed implementation. The DER program aims for broader adoption of distributed energy solutions with updated policies for Entergy New Orleans. A procedural schedule was established by Resolution R-24-624 in 2024, leading to approval of a ten-year DER plan with an initial three-year ramp-up period under Resolution R-25-669. However, after reviewing Entergy’s March 2026 plan submission, the committee requested more detailed plans that include clearer budgets and stronger consumer protections. Public comments on proposed modifications are due by June 22, advisor reports are expected by July 22, and final certification is scheduled for August 6.
The joint committee recommended approval of both Resolution UD-24-02 regarding DER implementation and Ordinance No. 35,422 amending Chapter 158 of the City Code. These changes add customer protections against unfair practices or unclear billing from utilities like Entergy. They also clarify procedures for regulatory cases before the City Council and set guidelines for programs such as energy efficiency initiatives.
Additionally, two resolutions concerning Sewerage & Water Board customers’ billing disputes were reviewed. In one case involving a $2,651 bill dispute where an earlier credit had been granted but no further credits were found owed after arbitration; the customer’s appeal was denied due to late filing and insufficient evidence. In another case with disputed meter issues resulting in partial credits awarded through arbitration—including an additional missed credit—the council upheld some relief but denied further reductions.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts by city officials to modernize utility oversight while addressing resident concerns about fairness in billing practices.
