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Bill

SR 148

UTILITIES: Creates the Utility Assistance Coordination Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding coordination of utility assistance programs in the state.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Allain and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana creates a Task Force to coordinate, streamline, and improve access to utility and energy assistance programs, reducing duplication and gaps for vulnerable households.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate.
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Bill Summary · SR 148

Summary of SR 148 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the Utility Assistance Coordination Task Force (the “task force”) to study and make recommendations on coordinating utility assistance programs in Louisiana.
  • Motivates coordination to improve access, reduce duplication, streamline referrals, and maximize the impact of federal, state, and local resources addressing utility bills and energy burdens.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Creations:
    • Creates the Utility Assistance Coordination Task Force to analyze and propose improvements to Louisiana’s utility assistance landscape.
  • Scope of study and recommendations:
    • Inventory of available programs, including federal (e.g., LIHEAP), state, utility-sponsored, and nonprofit programs.
    • Opportunities to improve: intake, referrals, eligibility verification, customer communications, vendor payments, and program outreach.
    • Identify and address duplication and gaps among programs (including arrearage management, disconnection prevention, and related energy assistance).
    • Focus on improving access for vulnerable households (older adults, persons with disabilities, families with young children, and low-income or acutely burdened households).
    • Consider legislative, administrative, or policy changes needed to better coordinate utility assistance.
  • Membership and appointments:
    • 14 members total, with appointments from:
    • Senate committee leadership
    • Louisiana Public Service Commission
    • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy
    • Utility and energy providers (Entergy, Cleco Power, SWEPCO, Atmos Energy, Delta North/South Louisiana Gas)
    • Industry/associations (Louisiana Association of Electric Cooperatives, Louisiana Energy Power Authority)
    • Public/Private partners (Louisiana Housing Corporation, Association of Community Action Partnership, Louisiana Council on Aging Directors Association, Louisiana Association of United Ways)
  • Appointment timeline:
    • Each appointing authority must submit its appointee’s name to the LSU Public Service Commission chair (or designee) by August 1, 2026.
  • Operations and procedures:
    • First meeting by September 1, 2026; officers elected at that meeting.
    • administrative support provided by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
    • Quorum: majority of members; official actions require majority vote of those present.
    • Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or expense reimbursement as permitted by their appointing organizations.
  • Deliverable and timeline:
    • Task force must produce a written report with findings and recommendations by March 1, 2027.
    • Report due to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, House Committee on Commerce, Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, Louisiana Housing Corporation, and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library (as per R.S. 24:771 and 772).
  • Termination:
    • The task force terminates upon submission of its report or March 1, 2027, whichever occurs first.

Who is affected

  • Directly creates a new interagency/advisory body (the task force) to study and propose changes.
  • Involves multiple state agencies, public utilities, electric cooperatives, gas companies, and nonprofit/advocacy organizations in Louisiana’s utility assistance ecosystem.
  • Aims to influence how households access and receive various forms of energy assistance (LIHEAP, crisis programs, weatherization, arrearage management, etc.).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and rule-suspension action occurred in May 2026.
  • Appointments due by August 1, 2026.
  • First meeting by September 1, 2026.
  • Final report due no later than March 1, 2027.
  • Administrative support provided by the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
  • No compensation for members beyond allowable per diem/expenses.

Potential impact

  • Could streamline and coordinate multiple assistance programs to reduce duplication, shorten wait times, and improve access for vulnerable households.
  • May inform future legislation or administrative actions to harmonize eligibility, intake, and benefit delivery across programs.
  • Seeks to enhance communication among policymakers, program administrators, and stakeholders to maximize effectiveness of energy-assistance resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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