News Summary
Homeowners in New Orleans are facing significant challenges with energy efficiency rebates, particularly those relying on gas heating. At a recent public meeting, residents expressed frustration over lower rebate rates compared to nearby regions, leading to fewer contractor options for energy upgrades. With minimal enhancements provided under current programs, the disparity in financial support leaves many feeling unsupported in their quest for greener homes. Upcoming discussions aim to address these inequities and enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Unfair Energy Efficiency Rebates Leave New Orleans Homeowners Struggling for Upgrades
In the vibrant city of New Orleans, a growing number of homeowners are experiencing frustration, especially when it comes to energy efficiency programs designed to help them save money and make their homes greener. This heated discussion reached a boiling point when residents, including local resident Mary Anne Mushatt, voiced their concerns at the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) meeting on March 26, 2025.
Who’s in Charge of Energy in New Orleans?
New Orleans gets its electricity from Entergy, the area’s sole energy provider. For most homeowners here, natural gas is the go-to heating source. Unfortunately, this can create some rather glaring issues with the available energy efficiency rebates, especially when they are compared to those offered in nearby regions, such as the Northshore, where homes generally rely on electric heating. Residents like Mushatt are noticing significant disparities in the financial support they receive for energy efficiency improvements.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
For homeowners opting for gas heating serviced by Entergy, the rebate for energy efficiency upgrades is a mere 20 cents per square foot. In stark contrast, homeowners using Cleco, a different energy provider, benefit from a much higher rate of 60 cents per square foot. This means that a typical 1,000 square foot gas-heated home can only secure a modest rebate of $200 for insulation upgrades, while an equivalent electric home with Cleco could rake in a hefty $600. It’s no wonder some residents are feeling left out in the cold!
Rebate Inequity Creates Problems
The knock-on effect of these rebate disparities is clear: contractors are far less inclined to take on energy efficiency jobs in New Orleans homes. This makes sense; after all, who wants to work for less pay? Jim Clarke, a local entrepreneur and founder of Asyndant Energy, has even gone public about his firm’s decision to avoid Entergy homes due to these unappealing rebate structures. And this is leaving homeowners, like Mushatt, with fewer options for meaningful energy upgrades.
What Kind of Help Are Homeowners Getting?
Recently, residents have been getting minimal upgrades — think light bulbs and faucet aerators — from contractors associated with APTIM, the company responsible for managing Entergy’s efficiency program. These basic changes hardly scratch the surface of what’s needed, raising questions about how effective the current program truly is.
Where the Money Goes
Interestingly, both Entergy customers and efficiency contractors contribute 1.5% of their bills to a statewide energy efficiency fund. However, the benefits differ massively depending on which utility provider one is connected to. The inefficiencies in how rebate funds are distributed can be alarming, especially when it’s considered that administrative overhead costs are taking a big chunk out of what should be available as rebates. Salaries and operational costs are deducted, leaving homeowners with less than they originally anticipated.
Status Update on Program Changes
As the LPSC considers possible adjustments to the energy efficiency program, discussions continue about how to ensure that the system works more fairly for all homeowners in Louisiana. The next LPSC hearing is set for May 21, 2025, and residents are hopeful for changes that could bring better rebate structures and support for their energy efficiency projects. Meanwhile, APTIM has landed a five-year contract worth $24.5 million to manage the program, and while it’s been under scrutiny, it aims to establish statewide energy-saving goals that address various home upgrades.
Looking Forward
Homeowners in New Orleans are clearly in a tight spot, and many are keen to see the energy efficiency program evolve. With hopes pinned on upcoming meetings and potential structural changes, it’s a waiting game for residents like Mushatt and countless others who just want their homes to be more efficient and better supported.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Entergy Newsroom
- GlobeNewswire
- Louisiana Illuminator
- Entergy Newsroom
- The Center Square
- Wikipedia: Energy Efficiency
- Google Search: Energy efficiency programs Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Energy efficiency programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Efficiency
- Google News: energy rebates New Orleans
