The Louisiana Public Service Commission is about to get smaller—but not by accident. After Saturday’s semi-closed party primary, voters sent two of the five commissioners back to the drawing board, forcing a runoff election that will decide who gets to shape the future of Louisiana’s energy grid, utility rates, and consumer protections. The stakes? Higher than most realize.
This isn’t just another runoff. It’s a referendum on whether Louisiana’s utility regulators will stay in the pocket of the oil and gas industry or pivot toward a more balanced approach—one that could reshape how millions of residents pay for power, water, and internet access. And with the state’s energy landscape shifting faster than ever—thanks to federal climate mandates, aging infrastructure, and the rise of solar and wind—who wins these races could determine whether Louisiana’s utilities become a relic of the past or a model for the future.
The Unseen Power Brokers Behind the Ballot
At first glance, the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) might seem like a sleepy backwater of bureaucracy. Five unelected officials, appointed by the governor, overseeing rates, safety, and infrastructure for the state’s utilities. But dig deeper, and you’ll find this panel is one of the most consequential—and contested—regulatory bodies in the South.
Why? Because Louisiana’s utilities aren’t just delivering electricity—they’re delivering political power. Entergy Louisiana, the state’s largest utility, has spent $12.5 million on lobbying since 2015 alone, according to OpenSecrets. That’s more than the Louisiana AFL-CIO and environmental groups combined. The PSC’s decisions on rate hikes, renewable energy mandates, and pipeline approvals don’t just affect stockholders—they ripple through every household’s budget and the state’s economic future.
This year’s runoff isn’t just about two seats. It’s about whether the PSC will continue its decades-long trend of rubber-stamping utility requests or whether a new wave of commissioners—backed by consumer advocates and climate-conscious investors—will push for real reform.
Who’s Left Standing—and Why It Matters
In the May 10 primary, no candidate for the two open PSC seats secured more than 50% of the vote. That means the top two vote-getters in each race will face off in a June 21 runoff. But the real drama isn’t in the numbers—it’s in the who is left.
Take District 1, where incumbent Commissioner Foster Campbell (a longtime ally of Entergy) is locked in a tight race with Drew Schuler, a former state representative who’s made headlines by calling for stricter oversight of utility profits. Schuler’s campaign has framed the race as a choice between corporate capture and public interest—a framing that’s resonating with younger voters and environmental groups.
Then there’s District 5, where Kevin Foster, a former state senator with deep ties to the oil and gas industry, is battling Ashley Wynn, a consumer advocate who’s pushed for lower rates and faster broadband expansion. Wynn’s campaign has highlighted Foster’s past votes to approve rate increases for Entergy Louisiana—some of which she argues have disproportionately burdened low-income households.
“The PSC isn’t just about regulating utilities—it’s about regulating the economy of Louisiana. Who sits on that commission decides whether we’re going to have affordable energy or whether we’re going to be hostage to the highest bidder.”
The $1.2 Billion Question: Who Pays the Bill?
Here’s the part the media often misses: The PSC’s decisions don’t just affect rates—they affect who gets left behind. Louisiana already has one of the highest energy burdens in the nation, with households spending 3.5% of their income on utilities, compared to the national average of 2.8%, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. That’s a $1.2 billion annual drain on Louisiana families—money that could be going toward education, healthcare, or small business growth.
Take Entergy’s proposed $400 million rate hike in 2024, which the PSC approved with minimal pushback. The utility argued it was needed to modernize the grid. Critics, including Wynn, pointed out that Entergy’s profits had already surged by 18% in 2023—outpacing inflation and consumer wage growth. The PSC’s approval sent a message: Utilities come first.
But the energy landscape is changing. The EPA’s new power plant rules are forcing a reckoning with coal and gas. Meanwhile, solar adoption in Louisiana has grown by 40% in the past year, with rooftop solar now cheaper than grid electricity in 12 parishes. The PSC’s next moves could determine whether Louisiana lags behind or leads in the clean energy transition.
Historical Precedent: When the PSC Got Tough
This isn’t the first time Louisiana’s PSC has been a battleground. In 2015, then-Commissioner Donna Hedgecock blocked a $300 million rate hike by Entergy, arguing the utility had overstated its costs. The decision sparked a backlash from utility lobbyists but saved Louisiana ratepayers an estimated $200 million annually. Hedgecock’s stance was so unpopular with the industry that she faced a recall effort—though it failed.
Fast-forward to today, and the dynamics are similar. The question is whether the PSC will continue to act as a rubber stamp or whether it will assert more independence. The answer may hinge on who wins the runoff—and whether they’re willing to buck the status quo.
“The PSC has been a revolving door for industry insiders for decades. But the demographics of Louisiana are changing. Younger voters, urban residents, and communities of color are demanding accountability. If the commission doesn’t adapt, it risks becoming irrelevant.”
The Runoff’s Ripple Effect: What’s at Stake Beyond Louisiana
What happens in Louisiana’s PSC races won’t stay in Louisiana. The commission’s decisions on pipeline approvals, renewable energy mandates, and utility mergers have national implications.
Consider the Colonial Pipeline controversy. When the pipeline was hacked in 2020, the PSC’s approval of its expansion had already been tied up in regulatory delays—partly due to concerns over environmental impact. A more industry-friendly PSC might have fast-tracked approvals, while a consumer-focused one could have imposed stricter conditions. The outcome could set a precedent for other Southern states grappling with energy infrastructure.
Then there’s the clean energy race. Louisiana is a top producer of oil and gas, but it’s also one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the Southeast. The PSC’s approach to net metering (how much solar customers get paid for excess energy) could determine whether Louisiana becomes a leader in distributed energy or a laggard. Right now, the state ranks 48th in solar capacity—but that could change if the PSC adopts more progressive policies.
Finally, there’s the broadband divide. Louisiana has one of the worst broadband penetration rates in the country, with 22% of households lacking reliable internet. The PSC has the power to push utilities like Cable One to expand service—but so far, it hasn’t. A runoff win for a commissioner like Wynn could shift that dynamic.
What’s Next? How to Watch—and What to Watch For
The June 21 runoff isn’t just a local election—it’s a test of whether Louisiana’s regulatory system can keep up with the 21st century. Here’s how to follow the story:
- Watch the money: Expect a flood of dark money in the runoff. Look for Louisiana State Budget Project reports on utility lobbying spending.
- Listen for red flags: If candidates avoid discussing specific utility rate proposals or pipeline projects, that’s a sign they’re being cozy with industry donors.
- Track the grid: Follow PSC meeting minutes for clues about how new commissioners might vote on pending issues.
- Check the small print: The runoff will decide whether Louisiana’s utilities get a free pass—or whether consumers finally get a seat at the table.
The bottom line? This runoff isn’t just about two races. It’s about whether Louisiana will continue to let its utilities call the shots—or whether it will demand real accountability. And that’s not just a Louisiana problem. It’s a model for how states across the South handle energy, money, and power.
So here’s the question for you: Do you want your PSC to be a watchdog—or a lapdog? The answer will be on the ballot in June.
