Erath agrees to make LEPA its new electricity provider

Members of the Erath Town Council voted to become a Full Requirements Member of LEPA at its meeting on Jan. 12.
The LEPA Board of Directors then approved the agreement at its Jan. 15 meeting.
The agreement was signed by Town officials and LEPA representatives on January 16th, making Erath the fourteenth Full Requirements Member of LEPA, meaning that LEPA serves as its electricity provider. The other thirteen Full Requirements members include Abbeville, Gueydan, Jonesville, Morgan City, Plaquemine, Minden, Natchitoches, New Roads, Rayne, St. Martinville, Welsh, Winnfield and Vidalia.
Erath has been a long-time Member of LEPA but made the move to a Full Requirements Member because LEPA provides very competitive power rates to its Full Requirements Members. “I’m proud to announce our town’s partnership with the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA) as our new wholesale power supplier,” said Mayor Taylor Mencacci. “This strategic move is projected to deliver significant savings for our community. LEPA’s municipal-focused model supports Erath’s long-term success, while its invaluable mutual aid has proven essential during hurricanes and everyday emergencies.”
LEPA General Manager Kevin Bihm said, “Not only will this new contract provide Erath with electricity savings, it will also provide additional benefits that come with Erath being an integral part of the LEPA Organization. Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci sits on the LEPA Board of Directors and provides valuable input to the organization, and his representation on the Board ensures that Erath has a vote and a voice.”
LEPA was created by the State Legislature in 1979 as the joint-action agency for the State of Louisiana. LEPA’s current membership is comprised of 20 cities and towns that own their electric distribution systems. The member cities of LEPA include Abbeville, Alexandria, Erath, Gueydan, Houma, Jonesville, Kaplan, Lafayette, Minden, Morgan City, Natchitoches, New Roads, Plaquemine, Rayne, Ruston, St. Martinville, Vidalia, Vinton Welsh and Winnfield.