DER Resolution UD-24-02
The joint committees heard a presentation from Council Advisors on the background, purpose, and proposed implementation plan for Docket UD-24-02.
Overall, the DER program aims to expand access to distributed energy resources, battery storage, and related technologies through a vendor-neutral framework while updating policies and funding mechanisms for Entergy New Orleans (ENO).
For background, Resolution R-24-624, adopted by the City Council in 2024, established an extensive 10-month procedural schedule. This resolution culminated in Resolution R-25-669, which approved a 10-year DER program with a three-year ramp-up period.
However, after reviewing ENO’s March 2026 plan, the committee, and by extension the City Council, has asked Entergy to submit a more detailed version of its plan, including clearer budgets, consumer protections, and more. A review schedule has been set, with a deadline for comments addressing proposed modifications to the DER program set for June 22, 2026. The deadline for the advisor report is July 22, 2026, and final certification is due on August 6, 2026.
After receiving the Council Advisors’ presentation, the committee recommended Resolution UD-24-02 for approval by the full Council.
To view the full presentation, click here.
Joint Committee Reviews Ordinance to Amend Ch. 158 of City Code
Members of the joint committee voted to recommend approval of Ordinance No. 35,422, which amends Chapter 158 of the City Code. Chapter 158 governs the City's regulation of public utilities, including electricity and gas providers such as Entergy. It also explains the City Council’s authority over utilities, including how rates are set, how cases and hearings are handled, and the rules utilities must follow when providing service to customers.
The ordinance changes or adds a few key provisions. It adds stronger customer protections, including rules that better protect residents from unfair practices, unclear billing, or harmful utility decisions. It also establishes clearer rules for handling regulatory cases, so that when the City Council reviews utility proposals, the process is more structured and transparent. Finally, it establishes guidelines for utility-run programs, such as energy-efficiency or battery programs, to ensure they’re designed and operated fairly and consistently.
Joint Committee Considers Resolutions Regarding SWBNO Arbitration Appeals
The joint committee voted in favor of the resolution regarding a New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) customer’s arbitration appeal. This resolution denied an appeal from a SWBNO customer who disputed a bill totaling about $2,651.78. Although an earlier review granted them a credit of over $3,000, a later arbitration decision found no additional credits were owed. The customer appealed that decision to the City Council, arguing that there were errors in the billing review.
The committee voted to deny the appeal because it was filed after the deadline and because there was insufficient evidence that the bill was incorrect. As a result, the arbitration decision stands, and no further credits are granted.
The committee voted on a second resolution addressing a billing dispute between an SWBNO customer and the utility. After an initial review denied the customer a credit, an arbitration decision later awarded a partial credit of about $690. The customer appealed, arguing that the decision did not fully account for prior issues, such as leaks and meter problems.
The City Council denied their appeal, finding there wasn’t sufficient evidence to further reduce the bill. However, it upheld the $690 credit, required SWBNO to apply an additional previously missed credit of about $261, and approved a waiver of over $300 in penalties and fees.
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