The Louisiana Public Service Commission this week selected the firm that will run a statewide energy efficiency program slated to launch in 2026.
The five-member panel voted unanimously to approve Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, a Baton Rouge-based for-profit environmental solutions firm, over two other finalists, Frontier Energy and TRC.
APTIM is charged with setting up and running an energy efficiency program for residential and business utility customers across the state, which has been in the works for more than a decade.
Energy efficiency programs typically offer financial help with expenses like insulation, HVAC and water system upgrades, and appliance and light bulb replacement.
Individual utility providers have run their own energy efficiency programs since 2009. But the Public Service Commission earlier this year approved the transition to a statewide model overseen by the commission.
Under the new model, utilities can’t automatically charge customers for power sales they “lose” after homes are made more efficient — something they were allowed to do in the past and sought to keep in place.
Advocates hope the statewide program will help Louisiana better leverage federal funds and lower electric bills for more people.
Similar to current provider-based models, the statewide model will be funded through fees charged to utility customers.
“APTIM’s bid was comprehensive and the most cost-conscious option, ensuring we minimized the financial burden on ratepayers while delivering maximum value,” Commissioner Craig Greene said in a text message. “This decision strikes the right balance between local expertise and fiscal responsibility.”
APTIM has run Entergy Louisiana’s energy efficiency program since 2018. It has also run Wisconsin’s statewide program since 2011.
Commissioner Davante Lewis after the vote said that while all three finalists “were credible and qualified,” APTIM’s existing local connections would be of great benefit.
“Already boots-on-the-ground, working with our largest utility already, is going to be a boon to help bring in our smaller utilities … They are experienced in this state and this program,” Lewis said.