Public Service Commission
CenturyLink’s purchase of Qwest could make the Monroe company the 3rd largest telecommunications company in the country
LA's Public Service Commission is among nine states that have given regulatory approval for CenturyLink's $10.6 billion purchase of Qwest Communications that will make the Monroe company the third largest telecommunications company in the country. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell called CenturyLink's planned acquisition of Qwest "great for Monroe and all of Louisiana." Full article.
Valley Electric rates may decrease after buyout approved
Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell recently said that utility rates for customers of Valley Electric Membership Corp. should drop about 20 percent now that sale of the utility to SWEPCO has been approved. A major benefit of the Valley-SWEPCO merger is the payment of Valley's $30 million in capital credits to its members. Full Article.
Tow Charges Increase by 20 percent
Drivers who discover their vehicles have been towed away will be paying more to get them back. The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved a 20 percent increase in rates for tows. Link to full article: http://bit.ly/9vMDTQ
New policy to promote renewable source use
Across the United States, thirty-five states are attempting to move away from fossil fuels to produce electricity. The LA Public Service Commission is working on an alternative energy policy that would encourage La utilities to produce more electricity using renewable sources like solar and wind power. However, unlike other states, La's policy would be voluntary, not mandatory. Full Article.
PSC Probes Complaints About AT&T
LA regulators will investigate complaints about AT&T’s service. LA Public Service Commissioner Campbell indicated that the probe is the first step toward possibly fining AT&T for poor service. Full Article.
