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South Coast Gas outlines $1.5 million plan to fix low-pressure problems in Pierre Part
Summary
South Coast Gas representatives told the Assumption Parish Police Jury on May 13 that a four-phase modernization plan — led by a proposed $1.5 million meter station and 1,200 feet of six-inch line on north Pierre Part — is the highest priority to address recurring low-pressure events that have left some residents unable to run home generators; financing is being pursued and company officials agreed to provide regular updates.
South Coast Gas representatives told the Assumption Parish Police Jury on May 13 that a four-phase modernization plan is intended to address recurring low-pressure problems in Pierre Part that have interfered with residents’ ability to run home generators during outages.
Compliance Officer Celima Verdin said the company and SJB Engineering Group completed a system study in 2023 that identified pressure-drop locations and recommended system upgrades. Verdin said the company has implemented some upgrades, gained “full control over the station” and is now working to secure financing for the first phase of the plan.
Kean Miller attorney Randy Young said the top priority is construction of a new meter station on the north end of Pierre Part and installing a six-inch line, initially about 1,200 feet, to improve delivery. “The meter station is about $1,500,000,” Young said. Matt Long of SJB Engineering confirmed the initial 1,200-foot line would reach the first major bridge and serve the north side of the system.
Company officials said roughly one-third of Pierre Part customers have home generators and that the system was not built with that many generators in mind. Verdin said her team has been mapping complaint locations when low-pressure events occur and will check whether the jury may receive those maps for planning purposes.
Officials said they are pursuing financing through bond agencies and banks and have discussed possible assistance with Public Service Commission staff. The company also reported ongoing replacement of lines on Derrick Street and that one outstanding right-of-way remains to be recorded.
Jurors pressed company representatives about timing and resident impacts. Chairman Leroy Blanchard and committee members asked for regular updates; company representatives agreed to post progress online and provide monthly email updates once funding is secured. The jury did not take a formal vote on the presentation.
The meeting adjourned after jurors moved to other agenda items.
