Photograph: District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis speaks to a Republican Executive Committee event last week in Opelousas. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Mike Francis isn’t opposed to solar energy, as long as power from the sun is generated in what he feels are reasonable amounts.
Francis, the District 4 incumbent on the Louisiana Public Service Commission, told a Republican Executive Committee function in Opelousas last week that he thinks solar power can generally help lower utility rate costs.
Solar energy, like other forms of generated electricity, is regulated by members of the PSC said Francis, a Republican Party member from Jena.
“If you are going to put in a solar farm and it will lower you bills, then (PSC members) will vote for it, (The PSC) has the last say on solar facilities,” said Francis, who has two opponents who also qualified for the Nov. 8 election.
Francis, who said he would support a 2024 presidential candidacy by Donald Trump, added that he expects solar energy companies to treat the environment responsibility and provide clean up services when necessary.
Shalon Lacour, a Republican who introduced himself to the St. Landry Parish Council earlier this month, has qualified to challenge Francis for the District 4 PSC position. Francis’ other opponent is Keith Bodin, who lists his party affiliation as Independent.
Lacour was invited to last week’s Republican Party event, but Lacour declined, stating that he was committed to another function in Alexandria.
Francis admitted that despite PSC oversight, electricity rates for Louisiana residents are increasing. Solar power Francis said, might be a way to decrease those energy costs, as solar providers sell their electricity to other companies.
While he expressed no opposition to solar energy production, Francis said he doubted whether Louisiana will ever be able to sustain sufficiently provide electricity production using wind turbines.
“Louisiana doesn’t have enough wind to generate electricity,” Francis said.
Electric Vehicles
Francis, when questioned about the viability of electric vehicles, said it’s not something he would recommend driving on a regular basis.
“If I had an electric vehicle, it would be used to drive around town in a limited way,” said Francis.
On Electric Rates
Francis admitted that like other commodities the cost of electricity has continued to rise.
The PSC Francis claimed, has a “tough job,” deciding whether companies asking to raise rates for consumers are making legitimate requests.
Francis admitted that Opelousas residents who pay for electricity provided by CLECO are paying high costs for power. However it’s up to the Commission Francis said, to look at all the variables for energy rate increases before granting any rate hikes.
“Each company has a different reason for asking for establishing their rates,” Francis said.
