Power authority signs deal with new La. city

The Louisiana Energy & Power Authority will soon provide wholesale electrical power to the city of Natchitoches, making it the 12th member city to receive its wholesale electrical power from LEPA.
The contract could be good for Morgan City, which is an LEPA member and would benefit from a stronger authority.
The LEPA Board of Directors unanimously approved the contract between LEPA and Natchitoches at its January meeting. The Natchitoches City Council also approved the wholesale electricity contract with LEPA. The city will begin receiving its wholesale electricity from LEPA in June 2025.
“We are excited to have Natchitoches join the 11 other LEPA member towns and cities that receive reliable and stable electricity directly from the organization created for them and their citizens,” said LEPA General Manager Bihm. “This not only helps to strengthen the LEPA organization, but also lowers electrical costs for all of these cities in the process.”
“As mayor of the great city of Natchitoches, I understand that the responsibility of my administration is not just to ensure power continues to flow throughout our city, but to do so in a way that benefits all residents and businesses," said Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr.
"This is a decision that not only affects us at present, but also well into the future. We knew we were not just selecting a provider. We needed to select a partner who would share in our vision for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient community.
"We were seeking a supplier that not only prioritizes affordability, but also customer service. In selecting LEPA as our energy partner, we are confident that in addition to meeting our energy needs of today, we are embarking on a journey together to meet our energy needs for future generations to come.”
Created by the Legislature in 1979, LEPA has a membership of 20 cities and towns in Louisiana that own their municipal power systems. As a joint action agency, LEPA works to provide its member communities with firm, stable sources of electricity at the lowest possible cost.
The 12 full requirements cities are Abbeville, Gueydan, Jonesville, Morgan City, New Roads, Plaquemine, Rayne, St. Martinville, Vidalia, Welsh, Winnfield and Natchitoches. Other member cities in LEPA include Abbeville, Alexandria, Erath, Gueydan, Houma, Kaplan, Lafayette, Minden, Ruston, and Vinton.
Stewart
honored
Jeffery Stewart was recognized by the LEPA board for his service as chairman of in 2024.
“The organization had three major accomplishments in 2024 under Mr. Stewart’s leadership,” said Bihm.
“LEPA made history by welcoming the city of Ruston as its 20th member; Abbeville and Gueydan began receiving wholesale electricity from LEPA in June; and LEPA introduced state legislation to modify its 1979 enabling act.”
Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux has been named the Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2025. Robichaux has been on the board for 10 years, and previously served in officer positions, including serving as chairman in 2017, 2018 and 2021.
“Chuck is a proven leader not only in the community of Rayne, but he has been a positive influence on municipal government in the state of Louisiana and we are fortunate to have him as Chairman of the LEPA Board once again," Bihn said.
Other officers include Mayor Jason Willis of St. Martinville, vice chairman; and Mayor Rosalyn White of Abbeville, secretary-treasurer. The remaining LEPA Operating Committee members for 2025 include Mayor Buz Craft of Vidalia and Mayor Mike Kloesel of Kaplan.