Louisiana Electricity Information
Louisiana generates most of its electricity from natural gas, with nuclear and a small but growing share of renewables also contributing. Coal has largely been phased out, helping to reduce emissions, though the state’s industrial sector still drives high overall carbon output. Thanks to abundant natural gas resources, Louisiana enjoys some of the lowest electricity prices in the country, keeping energy costs manageable for residents and businesses.
Find Electricity Providers In Louisiana
Ranks 15th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 12.64¢ /kWh
Ranks 3rd Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $153.61
Ranks 44th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
Estimate Your Emissions From Your Electricity Usage
How much CO2, SO2, and NOx do you generate from the electricity that powers your home?
Renewable Electricity Generation
1.02% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Louisiana
Electricity consumption in Louisiana is among the highest in the nation, largely due to its hot, humid climate and energy-intensive industries. Located in the Gulf Coast region, the state experiences long, sweltering summers, leading to heavy air conditioning use. Additionally, Louisiana’s petrochemical and manufacturing industries require massive amounts of power. While demand is high, the state’s low electricity prices help offset costs.
Municipal Utilities in Louisiana
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Louisiana offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Louisiana, 23 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Louisiana
The rest of Louisiana receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Louisiana Natural Gas Information
Louisiana runs on natural gas in a way that few states do. It produces roughly a tenth of U.S. marketed gas, hosts the Henry Hub pricing point in Erath, and ships the majority of America’s LNG through terminals like Sabine Pass and Cameron. That combination makes gas central to everyday life and to global markets at the same time. About one in three households heat with natural gas, yet homes use only a sliver of the state’s total because winters are mild and the industrial and power sectors dominate demand. On the coast, hot, humid summers push gas-fired plants to keep up with air-conditioning, while petrochemical and refining facilities along the Mississippi River consume gas year-round.
What really sets Louisiana apart is scale and infrastructure. The state handled about three-fifths of U.S. LNG exports in 2024, and its benchmark Henry Hub ties local pipes to national pricing. Residential use accounts for roughly two percent of in-state gas deliveries, with the rest driven mostly by industry and electric power, which is why local reliability planning focuses on coastal plants, storage, and hurricane-season resilience rather than deep winter shortages.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Louisiana
Many of the residents of Louisiana receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
Find Natural Gas Providers In Louisiana
Louisiana Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Louisiana
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Louisiana have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Louisiana homes online and in the loop:
Find Internet Providers In Louisiana
Hurricane Season & Your Utilities
In Louisiana, hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) is a fact of life. Your utility preparations can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major safety hazard.
Before the Storm
- Update Your Contact Info: Ensure your cell phone number is current with your provider (Entergy, Cleco, SWEPCO, etc.). Most companies now use text alerts to provide restoration estimates.
- Protect Your A/C: Power surges are common during storms. If you have a central A/C unit, consider installing a surge protector or turning the unit off at the breaker when a storm approaches to prevent expensive damage.
- Stock Water: Municipal pumping stations can lose power, leading to low pressure or "Boil Water" advisories. Fill bathtubs and spare containers before the storm hits so you have water for flushing toilets and washing.
After the Storm
- The "Rotten Egg" Smell: If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave the house immediately and call your gas provider from a safe distance. Do not turn light switches on or off, as the spark could ignite a leak.
- Generator Safety: Never run a generator inside your home, garage, or carport. Carbon monoxide is deadly and odorless. Connect appliances directly to the generator; do not plug the generator into a wall outlet, as this can "backfeed" electricity into the grid and kill utility workers repairing lines.
Decoding Your Louisiana Utility Bill
If you are new to the state, or just looking closely at your bill for the first time, you might see some confusing line items. Here is what they mean:
- Storm Restoration Charges: You will likely see a specific line item for "Storm Restoration." This is a state-approved fee used to pay back the bonds utility companies issued to repair the grid after major hurricanes like Ida, Laura, and Zeta. These are standard recovery fees, not billing errors.
- Fuel Adjustment Cost: This is often the most variable part of your bill. Since Louisiana generates most of its electricity from natural gas, this charge fluctuates monthly based on global natural gas prices. If gas prices go up, your bill goes up, even if your usage stays the same.
- The "Municipal Bundle": In cities like Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette, your "Water Bill" is often a bundled invoice for multiple services. It typically includes:
- Water Usage: Based on your meter reading.
- Sewer/Wastewater: Often calculated based on your average winter water usage (to estimate indoor use vs. lawn watering).
- Garbage & Recycling: Usually a flat monthly fee for pickup services.
Thinking About Solar? Read This First.
Solar advertising can be aggressive, but Louisiana’s rules differ from other states. It is important to understand Net Metering vs. Avoided Cost.
- Buying vs. Selling: When you pull electricity from the grid, you pay the full retail rate. However, if your solar panels produce more energy than you use, most Louisiana utilities buy that excess power back at a lower rate called "Avoided Cost" (roughly the wholesale price of fuel), rather than the full retail price.
- Sizing Matters: Because you earn less for the power you sell back, it is often more financially beneficial to install a solar system designed to meet your daytime usage exactly, rather than an oversized system designed to generate a profit.
Smart Meters (AMI)
Most Louisiana homes have been upgraded to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), commonly known as smart meters.
- The Benefits: These meters send usage data wirelessly to the utility. This allows for faster outage detection (the company knows you are out without you having to call) and lets you view your daily usage online to help budget your expenses.
- Opting Out: If you have concerns about smart meters, most Louisiana utilities (like Entergy) allow you to "opt-out" and keep an analog meter. However, be aware that this usually comes with a setup fee and a monthly "manual reading fee" (typically around $12–$15/month) to cover the cost of sending a meter reader to your home.
Consumer Rights & Complaints
Louisiana is a "regulated market" for electricity (unlike Texas), meaning you generally cannot switch providers. Your electric company is determined by where you live.
- Disputes with Investor-Owned Utilities: If you have an unresolved billing or service dispute with a major company like Entergy, Cleco, or SWEPCO, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC).
- Disputes with Municipal or Co-ops: The LPSC has limited jurisdiction over city-owned utilities (like Lafayette Utilities System) or member-owned Cooperatives (like DEMCO). For disputes with these entities, you typically need to contact your City Council or the Cooperative's Board of Directors.
Utility Costs in Louisiana
The average monthly total utility bills in Louisiana is $274.33, which is 1.02% lower than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Louisiana
If you are struggling to pay your electricity, gas, or water bills, Louisiana offers several state-managed and utility-specific programs to help avoid disconnection and manage costs.
Statewide Financial Assistance Programs
The primary resource for utility aid in Louisiana is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Managed by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), this federally funded program helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. Priority is often given to households with members who are elderly, disabled, or young children.
-
LIHEAP: Provides payments directly to utility providers to cover energy costs.
-
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Helps low-income homeowners reduce energy costs through home improvements like insulation and repairs.
Apply for LIHEAP and WAP at the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Utility Company Programs
Many major utility providers in Louisiana manage their own charitable funds, often supported by customer donations and shareholder matching.
-
Entergy – The Power to Care: Provides emergency bill payment assistance for seniors (60+) and people with disabilities.
-
Cleco – Power of Sharing: Administered by the Louisiana Association of Councils on Aging, this fund helps elderly and disabled customers with energy bills and minor equipment repairs.
-
SWEPCO – Neighbor to Neighbor: Administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, this program offers grants to customers facing financial hardship.
Special Assistance for Specific Groups
For Seniors
In addition to standard LIHEAP benefits, seniors often qualify for specific company programs.
-
Council on Aging: Local Councils on Aging often administer funds like Cleco’s “Power of Sharing” and can assist with LIHEAP applications.
-
Senior Discounts: Some providers, such as Entergy Gulf States Utilities, may offer a waiver of monthly customer charges for eligible customers over 65 with limited income.
For Veterans
Louisiana offers dedicated support for veterans facing financial crisis.
-
Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund: Managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, this fund provides need-based claims (up to $10,000 in some cases) for veterans and activated military personnel facing hardships, which can include utility payments.
For Students
While there is no statewide “student utility” discount, students living off-campus have options:
-
University Emergency Funds: Most Louisiana universities (including LSU, UL Lafayette, and Tulane) have “Student Emergency Funds” managed by the Dean of Students office. These small grants are often specifically designed to cover unexpected living expenses like utility bills.
-
Lifeline for Internet: Students receiving Federal Pell Grants often qualify for Lifeline, a federal program that provides a monthly discount on phone or broadband internet service.
Learn more about Student Utilities
Find Utility Providers In Louisiana
Utility Providers by City in Louisiana
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | 11,313 | Yes |
| Abita Springs | 2,622 | No |
| Addis | 6,503 | No |
| Alexandria | 75,835 | Yes |
| Amite City | 3,840 | No |
| Arabi | 4,080 | No |
| Arcadia | 2,737 | No |
| Avondale | 4,969 | No |
| Baker | 12,736 | No |
| Ball | 3,954 | No |
| Basile | 2,073 | No |
| Bastrop | 9,879 | No |
| Baton Rouge | 610,751 | No |
| Bawcomville | 2,700 | No |
| Bayou Blue | 11,229 | No |
| Bayou Cane | 21,699 | No |
| Bayou L'Ourse | 2,150 | No |
| Bayou Vista | 4,015 | No |
| Belle Chasse | 10,406 | No |
| Belle Rose | 2,413 | No |
| Benton | 2,470 | No |
| Berwick | 4,757 | No |
| Blanchard | 3,434 | No |
| Bogalusa | 10,921 | No |
| Bossier City | 63,168 | No |
| Boutte | 2,253 | No |
| Breaux Bridge | 7,711 | No |
| Bridge City | 7,542 | No |
| Broussard | 12,960 | No |
| Brownfields | 5,895 | No |
| Brownsville | 4,272 | No |
| Brusly | 2,604 | No |
| Bunkie | 3,415 | No |
| Cade | 2,108 | No |
| Carencro | 9,531 | No |
| Carlyss | 5,252 | No |
| Central | 29,746 | No |
| Chackbay | 5,404 | No |
| Chalmette | 21,981 | No |
| Chauvin | 2,837 | No |
| Church Point | 4,252 | No |
| Claiborne | 13,147 | No |
| Colfax | 2,010 | No |
| Coushatta | 2,217 | No |
| Covington | 11,155 | No |
| Crowley | 11,916 | No |
| Cut Off | 5,498 | No |
| Delcambre | 2,279 | No |
| Delhi | 2,648 | No |
| Denham Springs | 9,389 | No |
| DeQuincy | 3,120 | No |
| DeRidder | 10,060 | No |
| Des Allemands | 2,342 | No |
| Destrehan | 11,827 | No |
| Donaldsonville | 6,834 | No |
| Eastwood | 3,882 | No |
| Eden Isle | 8,233 | No |
| Elmwood | 6,700 | No |
| Erath | 2,160 | Yes |
| Erwinville | 3,130 | No |
| Estelle | 17,650 | No |
| Eunice | 9,589 | No |
| Farmerville | 3,382 | No |
| Ferriday | 3,194 | No |
| Fort Polk North | 2,115 | No |
| Fort Polk South | 9,248 | No |
| Franklin | 6,811 | No |
| Franklinton | 3,646 | No |
| Galliano | 7,378 | No |
| Gardere | 10,971 | No |
| Garyville | 2,102 | No |
| Golden Meadow | 2,184 | No |
| Gonzales | 12,080 | No |
| Grambling | 5,127 | No |
| Gramercy | 2,990 | No |
| Grand Point | 2,604 | No |
| Gray | 6,208 | No |
| Greenwood | 3,155 | No |
| Gretna | 17,836 | No |
| Hahnville | 3,835 | No |
| Hammond | 75,688 | No |
| Harahan | 9,137 | No |
| Harvey | 20,942 | No |
| Haughton | 4,413 | No |
| Haynesville | 2,402 | No |
| Homer | 2,636 | No |
| Houma | 146,665 | Yes |
| Independence | 2,068 | No |
| Inniswold | 6,750 | No |
| Iowa | 3,329 | No |
| Jackson | 4,662 | No |
| Jean Lafitte | 2,450 | No |
| Jeanerette | 4,892 | No |
| Jefferson | 10,500 | No |
| Jena | 3,697 | No |
| Jennings | 9,836 | No |
| Jonesboro | 4,292 | No |
| Kaplan | 4,384 | Yes |
| Kenner | 66,411 | No |
| Kentwood | 2,304 | No |
| Lacombe | 7,817 | No |
| Lafayette | 254,286 | Yes |
| Lake Arthur | 2,627 | No |
| Lake Charles | 150,036 | No |
| Lake Providence | 3,288 | No |
| Lakeshore | 3,068 | No |
| Laplace | 29,129 | No |
| Larose | 6,652 | No |
| Leesville | 5,666 | No |
| Lockport | 2,850 | No |
| Luling | 14,115 | No |
| Lutcher | 3,163 | No |
| Mamou | 2,979 | No |
| Mandeville | 105,097 | No |
| Mansfield | 4,608 | No |
| Many | 2,337 | No |
| Marksville | 5,118 | No |
| Marrero | 31,928 | No |
| Maurice | 2,004 | No |
| Meraux | 7,120 | No |
| Merrydale | 8,889 | No |
| Metairie | 140,590 | No |
| Milton | 2,205 | No |
| Minden | 12,145 | Yes |
| Monroe | 117,197 | No |
| Monticello | 4,804 | No |
| Morgan City | 11,525 | Yes |
| Moss Bluff | 11,453 | No |
| Natalbany | 2,475 | No |
| Natchitoches | 18,105 | Yes |
| New Iberia | 28,844 | No |
| New Llano | 2,472 | No |
| New Orleans | 925,443 | No |
| New Orleans Station | 3,300 | No |
| New Roads | 4,516 | Yes |
| Norco | 2,862 | No |
| Oak Hills Place | 9,201 | No |
| Oakdale | 7,092 | No |
| Old Jefferson | 8,875 | No |
| Opelousas | 15,884 | No |
| Ossun | 2,450 | No |
| Patterson | 5,928 | No |
| Pearl River | 2,577 | No |
| Pierre Part | 2,010 | No |
| Pineville | 14,653 | No |
| Plaquemine | 6,187 | Yes |
| Ponchatoula | 7,729 | No |
| Port Allen | 4,989 | No |
| Port Barre | 2,145 | No |
| Poydras | 2,664 | No |
| Prairieville | 34,118 | No |
| Presquille | 2,245 | No |
| Prien | 8,147 | No |
| Raceland | 11,002 | No |
| Rayne | 7,332 | Yes |
| Rayville | 3,386 | No |
| Red Chute | 7,504 | No |
| Reserve | 8,688 | No |
| Richwood | 4,837 | No |
| River Ridge | 13,435 | No |
| Ruston | 22,286 | Yes |
| Schriever | 5,639 | No |
| Scott | 8,200 | No |
| Shenandoah | 20,068 | No |
| Shreveport | 286,200 | No |
| Slidell | 94,498 | No |
| South Vacherie | 3,393 | No |
| Springhill | 4,855 | No |
| St. Gabriel | 7,046 | No |
| St. Martinville | 5,602 | No |
| St. Rose | 7,764 | No |
| Sterlington | 2,094 | No |
| Stonewall | 2,278 | No |
| Sulphur | 21,490 | No |
| Sunset | 2,976 | No |
| Swartz | 4,728 | No |
| Tallulah | 6,357 | No |
| Terrytown | 25,388 | No |
| Thibodaux | 15,242 | No |
| Timberlane | 10,697 | No |
| Vidalia | 3,955 | Yes |
| Village St. George | 8,786 | No |
| Ville Platte | 6,488 | No |
| Vinton | 3,364 | Yes |
| Violet | 5,319 | No |
| Vivian | 3,153 | No |
| Waggaman | 11,161 | No |
| Walker | 6,322 | No |
| Welsh | 3,330 | Yes |
| West Monroe | 13,103 | No |
| Westlake | 4,858 | No |
| Westminster | 2,635 | No |
| Westwego | 8,538 | No |
| White Castle | 2,258 | No |
| Winnfield | 4,172 | Yes |
| Winnsboro | 4,891 | No |
| Woodmere | 11,343 | No |
| Woodworth | 2,060 | No |
| Youngsville | 15,167 | No |
| Zachary | 19,278 | No |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.




















