Delta Utilities presents franchise agreement to Shreveport council; final vote scheduled in two weeks

Delta Utilities representatives told the Shreveport City Council they are seeking a new franchise agreement to operate natural gas distribution in the city after purchasing Louisiana and Mississippi gas distribution assets from CenterPoint Energy on April 1, 2025.

Sam Walters, Delta Utilities’ director of program management and construction, said the proposed franchise would permit construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution facilities in city right-of-way, require restoration of disturbed property within a reasonable time, and continue the existing payment structure of 4.5% of gross receipts from gas sales paid quarterly to the city. Walters said the current franchise expires Dec. 31 and the new agreement would take effect Jan. 1, 2026 if the council approves it.

Walters invited council members to meet with Delta staff in the council office before the next meeting to review details. He also noted that the transaction included existing employees and local operations, and that Delta is headquartered in New Orleans.

Context and next steps Council members were told the franchise agreement will be before the council for a vote in two weeks; Walters said he would be available to meet with individual council members and answer additional technical or permitting questions.

What was said on the record Walters summarized the company's obligations: excavation permits through existing permitting processes; payment of restoration costs for city right-of-way; recordkeeping and provision of information on request. “The payment, 4 and a half percent of gross receipts of gas sales stays the same as the previous franchise agreement, and those payments are are made on quarterly terms,” Walters said.

No formal action or vote occurred at the meeting; council members indicated they may have follow-up questions before final consideration.