SR 174

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 174
BY SENATOR HENRY
  A RESOLUTION
To recreate and provide for the Task Force on Energy Infrastructure and Modernization to
       study polices that promote energy self-generation, industrial microgrids, and
       expedited permitting in the state of Louisiana.
       WHEREAS, Louisiana is experiencing an increased demand for electricity that is
driven by industrial expansion and power for data centers; and
       WHEREAS, the long-term reliability and affordability of the state's electric grid are
critical to sustaining economic growth and energy security; and
       WHEREAS, delays in permitting, limited self-generation opportunities, and outdated
infrastructure financing models may pose risks to grid stability and investment in key
industries; and
       WHEREAS, some states have enacted legislation to modernize their energy policies
by allowing large customer microgrids and streamlining state permitting processes; and
       WHEREAS, Louisiana's industrial sector, which consumes over forty percent of the
state's electricity, is asking for the ability to self-generate power, including through
renewable sources, to meet corporate sustainability goals and mitigate escalating utility
costs; and
       WHEREAS, a study conducted for large industrial customers of Entergy Louisiana
found that base rates for all customers are projected to rise ninety percent from 2018 to 2030,
prompting industries to seek alternatives to traditional utility services; and
       WHEREAS, allowing generators to serve large industrial loads directly, including
multiple customers, could provide these industries with more control over energy sources
and costs; and
       WHEREAS, expanded deployment of commercially available technologies that add
capacity to existing transmission and distribution infrastructure, can reduce grid congestion
and strain; and
       WHEREAS, commercially available technologies known as Advanced Transmission
Technologies (ATTs) are modern electric transmission systems, equipment, and operational
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SR NO. 174  ENROLLED
tools that augment and improve the electric grid by building on existing transmission and
distribution infrastructure; and
        WHEREAS, ATTs may provide a stronger, more flexible grid, increasing capacity
and efficiency, reducing congestion, integrating a variety of generation sources, improving
energy security, and reducing costs for consumers.
        THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby reestablish and provide for the Task Force on Energy Infrastructure and
Modernization, as created by Senate Resolution No. 195 of the 2025 Regular Session of the
Legislature, to study proposals for legislation that promote energy self-generation, industrial
microgrids, and expedited permitting.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should include consideration and
evaluation of all of the following:
        (1) Alternatives to traditional utility regulations for new utility-scale merchant
generators built primarily to serve co-located large industrial loads, with consideration given
to regulatory flexibility, market impacts, and system reliability.
        (2) The potential for generators and industrial loads to interconnect with the grid,
provided the interconnection would not reasonably be expected to reduce the reliability of
the grid or result in increased costs to residential ratepayers.
        (3) A legal framework that would allow generators to serve large industrial loads
directly, including multiple customers.
        (4) Statutory reforms to expedite permitting for energy infrastructure projections,
including firm timelines for approval by permitting agencies.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consist of the same
membership as provided by Senate Resolution No. 195 of the 2025 Regular Session of the
Legislature and shall include a representative of the alternative energy industry and a
consumer advocate.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in order to carry out its duties, the task force is
authorized to receive input, assistance, and expert opinions from individuals and
organizations in the energy industry, including but not limited to stakeholders with
specialized knowledge relevant to energy generation and grid modernization.
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SR NO. 174  ENROLLED
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the task force shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the task force shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members present.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve
without compensation, except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be
individually entitled as members of their constituent organizations.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on March 1, 2028.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
president of the Senate, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, the
chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International
Affairs, the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the secretary of
Louisiana Economic Development, the secretary of the Department of Environmental
Quality, and the executive secretary of the Public Service Commission.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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