Hundreds of camp owners in Louisiana’s bayou parishes who have been left without power since Hurricane Ida are closer to having their electricity restored after the state denied the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association’s request to abandon service.
Following the decision at a meeting in Baton Rouge, camp owners who have been fighting for the utilities to be restored were visibly emotional.
One camp owner, Allison Breaux, chased SLECA General Manager Matt Peters following the meeting.
“Talk to us. Will you continue to just walk away from us!” Breaux said to Peters.
When pressed for answers, Peters said his plan is to do what is in the best interest of SLECA’s customers.
Inside the meeting, one woman spoke in support of SLECA, voicing concerns about whether bills would increase for all customers to ensure camp owners have power.
After the announcement that camp owners would not be abandoned, attendees erupted in applause.
“I am so thankful for WDSU for keeping this story alive, following it. It’s responsible for the state of Louisiana that this commission gets this right and utility companies are regulated,” said Sara Boudreaux.
Watch WDSU’s investigation “Sportsman’s Parade Abandoned:
The investigation into the issue began two years ago with Boudreaux, whose Lockport camp has been in her family for 40 years.
“It’s been a long road. The lights on would be the ultimate reward. I never thought we would be here,” Boudreaux said.
WDSU Investigates previously revealed that SLECA removed power poles without notifying the commission, which lacked a policy to address such actions.
Commissioner Jean-Paul P. Coussan says the investigation could lead to policies being changed.
“This is a unique situation,” Coussan said.
Commissioner Foster Campbell agreed, saying policy change is warranted.
Campbell also assured camp owners that they would have electricity.
Commissioners also said camp owners would be compensated.
Despite the challenges, camp owners remain determined to protect their properties.
“Thank you so much, you have done exactly what you have done to this entire process… walk away from us,” Breaux yelled at Peters.
While Peters would not go on camera, he issued the following statement to WDSU:
“SLECA has and continues to act in the best interests of our overall membership to ensure we continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable service.
“After over 19,000 of our co-op’s member accounts were impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021, our crews worked around the clock to bring normalcy back to our communities and get power back on so we could begin the recovery process.
“That process included working with FEMA for years and searching for a way to restore power to Lake Line members without overburdening the rest of our membership. That process continues.”
WDSU asked SLECA what this decision means for camp owners.
“SLECA is evaluating all options and will continue to do what’s in the best interest of our overall membership,” said Peters in a statement to WDSU.”
Camp owners say they will not let Sportsman’s Paradise be abandoned.
READ MORE:Years after WDSU investigation, PSC denies SLECA’s request to abandon power for camp owners
