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Sen. Hentgen offers amendments to private electrical networks bill, asks to return measure to calendar for fuller debate
Summary
Sen. Hentgen described six amendments to SB 490 aimed at protecting residential ratepayers and clarifying the definition and scope of private-use electrical networks, then asked that the bill be returned to the calendar for further debate; the Senate agreed without objection.
Senator Hentgen outlined a package of six amendments to Senate Bill 490, legislation to authorize private-use electrical networks serving industrial and data-center customers, and asked colleagues to return the bill to the calendar for extended debate.
Hentgen said the amendments would tighten the bill’s definition of a private electrical network so facilities must meet all three definitional requirements (location contiguous control of property, primary use, and delivery over privately owned wires); limit private networks to new electric load so existing customer load cannot be shifted off the utility system; broaden eligibility language so the statute does not restrict which types of customers can participate; preserve technical numbering changes; reaffirm the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s authority to regulate a private-use electric network if the PSC finds it would negatively affect other ratepayers; and require the private-grid applicant to pay the cost of interconnection studies.
"Those amendments are substantial," Hentgen said, arguing they would prevent cost-shifting to residential customers and require the private-grid owner to bear interconnection study costs. He framed the changes as protection for ratepayers, saying private grids should pay the full cost so there is "no stranded asset to socialize to the ratepayer." He also noted the amendments seek to focus the bill on real new growth rather than enabling existing load to move off the public grid.
After a brief floor exchange and no visible objections, Hentgen asked that SB 490 be put back on the calendar so senators could hear full debate; the request to return the bill to the calendar was granted without objection.
What happens next: returning the bill to the calendar means senators signaled they want more extensive floor debate and possibly additional amendment work before a final vote.
