NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee convened to hear presentations regarding the Community Solar standard revisions process, the status of the Direct Transfer Trip requirement, and an overview of the Louisiana Public Service Commission office's work. The Committee also discussed a resolution to consider approving direct transfer trip requirements for community solar projects.
Community Solar and Direct Transfer Trip Updates
The Committee received a presentation on Community Solar in New Orleans, which aims to expand access to clean energy and lower electricity costs, especially for low-income households. The 60 MW pipeline could power 6,000–7,800 homes, based on the projected impact of the Sisters of the Holy Family Community Solar Project.
This project accounts for about 4.3% of Entergy New Orleans' generation and is the sixth-largest resource. Subscribers receive 1:1 bill credits, with added incentives for low-income families. The grid gains from reduced demand, fewer blackouts, and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. The current pipeline includes low-income and open projects at various stages, all working toward the 60 MW limit.
A representative from Entergy New Orleans (ENO) spoke before the Committee regarding updates to the Direct Transfer Trip Standard. Direct Transfer Trip (DTT) Protection is a safety feature in ENO's interconnection standards that quickly disconnects large solar installations during grid faults. This feature helps prevent equipment damage and ensures the safety of lineworkers.
ENO is currently reviewing and updating its DTT standards with input from a third-party review, with revised guidance to be shared with the Council and Subscriber Organizations by mid-April. A complete update of the standards is expected by mid-June, and ENO continues to coordinate personally with affected projects throughout this process.
To view the presentations, click here (Community Solar) and here (DTT).
Committee Discusses DTT Standards Resolution
The Committee recommended approval of Resolution R-26-109 by the full Council. This resolution addresses ENO's Direct Transfer Trip (DTT) requirements for community solar projects. Since DTTs generally increase project costs and ENO is currently reviewing which projects need them, the Council is extending the deadlines for affected projects from March 13 to April 27, 2026. It also directs ENO to submit updated DTT guidelines for community solar facilities by April 27, 2026, to clarify requirements and ensure timely resolution.
Updates from the Louisiana Public Service Commission
The Committee received an update from Commissioner Davante Lewis of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Lewis explained that Louisiana's per capita energy use remains high despite generally low energy rates. Additionally, the state's carbon emissions are nearly twice the national average, mainly due to industrial activity.
To promote energy efficiency in New Orleans, the LPSC has revamped its energy-efficiency rules to strengthen its various programs and make them more beneficial to Louisiana residents. The LPSC has promoted various energy-efficiency programs that not only make the grid more sustainable but also reduce capacity overall.
The Commission has also implemented an all-source procurement policy, giving utilities more options for power sourcing. Community solar programs and local solar projects are being promoted, along with an electric school bus initiative to reduce emissions and a campaign to expand electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure across Louisiana.
The LPSC is examining Delta Utilities' accounting and purchasing practices and will shift fuel audits to an annual schedule starting in July 2026, while encouraging better gas hedging strategies. Some customer service issues, including awareness of levelized billing, are being addressed.
Overall, Delta's billing trends align with those of other Louisiana gas utilities; however, Commissioner Lewis noted that the Commission is looking at rebates for heat pumps. This is a matter that can lead to higher gas bills for residents, and the LPSC is looking to switch the operation from gas to electric to relieve the burden. Commissioner Lewis also explained that current natural gas market conditions present an opportunity to improve hedging strategies.
Following the presentation, Committee members thanked the Commissioner for his partnership and support for the Council's initiatives, such as the community solar initiative.