CLECO explains rate increases

Louisiana District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis says the CLECO rate increases beginning soon is a direct result of the impact of inflation.

LOUISIANA (KLFY) – Louisiana District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis says the CLECO rate increases beginning soon is a direct result of the impact of inflation.

"Because of inflation, we're faced with having to increase the prices on utilities all over our state of Louisiana. It's just a fact of life today," said Francis.

The commission recently approved CLECO's new rate plan effective July 1st. A bill credit will be applied to customer bills for the months of July, August, and September for the next three years.

According to CLECO Director of Corporate Communications, Jennifer Cahill, "Residential customers using 1000 kilowatt hours or see an increase of about $13 a month under the new rate plan. For the month of July, August and September, for the next three years, customers will receive an offsetting bill credit of about $8. So that means that customers will see about a $5 increase during the hottest summer months when energy usage is highest."

Commissioner Francis says they are aware the increase is an issue for the thousands of customers, but it is necessary for CLECO to continue their service.

"If you want reliable electricity, you don't want CLECO going bankrupt, which is if we don't give them a rate increase there is a chance that could happen."

According to Commissioner Francis and Cahill, CLECO is taking in extra efforts to work with customers struggling to pay their electric bills and suggest anyone in need of help to please reach out to them at 1-800-622-6537 or on their website.

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