Livingston Parish tables Demco substation preliminary site plan after residents raise health, flooding and outreach concerns

The Livingston Parish Planning Commission on March 6 held an informational public hearing on a proposed Demco electrical substation along 4 H Club Road, then tabled the preliminary site plan and set a special meeting for March 20 to continue consideration.

Demco Director of Engineering Matt Gibson told the commission the substation is intended to support growth in the area and preserve power quality, saying the utility’s modeling shows voltage would fall below acceptable tolerance without another substation and that locating the site close to existing transmission reduces the need for extended distribution lines. “This substation’s main purpose is to support the growth that’s been happening in the existing area,” Gibson said.

Why it matters: residents across the road and local officials said the chosen parcel—purchased last year, they said—places heavy infrastructure immediately next to established homes and family land. Speakers pressed the parish and Demco for more environmental and design detail, legal clarity about zoning, and assurances on noise, drainage, electromagnetic fields and emergency response before the commission advances the project.

What the applicant said: Gibson and Demco…