Louisiana PSC considers 'nuclear tariff' to fund small reactor exploration
Louisiana's Public Service Commission (PSC) is considering a proposal for a 20-cent monthly fee, labeled a "nuclear tariff," on electricity bills for Entergy Louisiana, Cleco, and SWEPCO customers. The funds would enable these utility companies to conduct feasibility studies and early-stage work for small modular nuclear reactors and microreactors. The PSC postponed a vote on the tariff until September 16, with some commissioners expressing concerns about ratepayers bearing the research costs.
Louisiana's Public Service Commission (PSC) is poised to vote next month on a proposed 20-cent monthly fee for customers of Entergy Louisiana, Cleco, and SWEPCO. This "nuclear tariff" would fund feasibility studies and early-stage development work for small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and microreactors in the state.
The proposal, introduced by Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, aims to explore more nuclear power generation options. Skrmetta, who co-chaired President Trump's campaign in Louisiana, cited the president's call to promote nuclear energy. SMRs can generate up to 300 megawatts, while microreactors, which can power facilities like data centers, produce up to 20 megawatts.
The PSC postponed a vote on the tariff during its latest meeting. Commissioner Davante Lewis, D-Baton Rouge, requested the delay, arguing that utility companies should cover their own research costs rather than passing them on to ratepayers. Commissioner Jean-Paul Coussan, R-Lafayette, supported the postponement, suggesting there might be alternative funding sources.
During the same meeting, commissioners addressed a contentious debate and a party-line vote to allow social media giant Meta to maintain secrecy regarding its Hyperion data center project and the associated new power plants Entergy Louisiana plans to build to power it. The PSC is scheduled to vote on the nuclear tariff proposal at its next regular meeting on September 16.