NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Utility, Cable, Telecommunications, and Technology Committee and the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held a joint meeting to consider several resolutions and contracts for full approval by the Council. The joint committee also received an update on the selection process for a distributed energy resource (DER) advisor.

Clarification of Resolution R-25-407, Docket UD-25-01

The joint committee recommended approval of a resolution to amend the procedural schedule for UD-25-01 and to clarify R-25-407, adopted by the Council on July 11, 2025. If the Council adopts this resolution, it will allow comments from parties on both the proposed changes to Chapter 158 and the Utilities Regulatory Manual (URM). The purpose of Docket UD-25-01 is to update Chapter 158 of the Code of Ordinances.

Parties are required to submit their initial comments on the proposed changes to Chapter 158 and the URM by Friday, October 17, 2025.

Resolution to Confirm Entergy New Orleans’ RCPS Compliance Demonstration Report

The joint committee also recommended approval of a resolution approving Entergy New Orleans’ (ENO) Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard (RCPS) Compliance Demonstration Reports. The RCPS, which was adopted in 2021, requires ENO to provide an annual report detailing whether the company is meeting the goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and 100% carbon-free electric generation for New Orleans by 2050.

The joint committee found that ENO complies with RCPS for 2024.

Comment Period for ENO’s RCPS Compliance Plan for 2026–2028

The joint committee considered one final resolution for the meeting, which would establish a procedural schedule for an Entergy New Orleans RCPS Compliance Plan for 2026 through 2028. The resolution allows parties to comment on ENO’s compliance plan for those years. The joint committee recommended the resolution for approval by the Council.

ITI Contract Extensions

The joint committee recommended approval of three 12-month contract extensions described below for information technology services:

• Contract with Global Solutions Group, Inc. to continue cybersecurity, technology, and enterprise services to the Office of Information Technology and Innovation (ITI).
• Contract with AT&T Enterprises, LLC to continue data and long-distance telecommunication services.

• Contract with Presidio Networked Solutions for continued access to Cisco network products and related services to ITI.

The joint committee moved to recommend these contract extensions for approval by the Council.

RFQ/P CC-25-01 DER Advisor Selection Update

The Council Utilities Regulatory Office (CURO) presented on the selection process for a DER advisor. This DER advisor would be responsible for developing a comprehensive DER program, collaborating with stakeholders, advising the Council, and coordinating with Entergy.

After issuing RFP CC-5-01 over the summer, eight respondents applied for the DER advisor role. CURO presented on two finalist candidates: Apex Analytics partnered with Emergent Grid Solutions and Rebalance Energy partnered with MG3 Energy. Both candidates have over 20 years of experience consulting and advising clients on DER-related matters. All that remains is for the Council to select which candidate will assume the DER advisor role.

   To view the meeting click here or on YouTube.