LUS to increase renewable energy purchases

Claire Taylor | The Daily Advertiser

Show Caption Hide Caption TDANOW: Our top stories Here's a breakdown of the top stories right now at theadvertiser.com.

Starting in January, 31 percent of Lafayette Utilities System's energy will come from renewable sources.

The move won't increase LUS customers' rates, interim LUS Director Jeff Stewart said.

Stewart announced the change Tuesday during a meeting of the Lafayette Public Utilities Authority.

For several years, he said, LUS has looked at wind and solar energy sources, but the price hasn't been right until now. The city-owned utility entered a two-year contract to buy 50 megawatts of wind energy starting in January.

The addition will comprise 20 percent of LUS' retail electricity, bringing the total renewable energy at LUS to 31 percent.

LUS already obtains 1 percent of its annual electrical requirements in the form of hydro power from the Southwestern Power Administration and buys 10 percent of renewable energy through Midcontinent Independent System Operator.

Stewart said a segment of LUS customers want to incorporate renewables into the city's electrical portfolio, but not if rates increase.

"We found a way to do it," he said.

Mayor-President Joel Robideaux appointed Stewart interim LUS director July 27. He replaces long-time Director Terry Huval, who retired abruptly July 18, months before his planned Oct. 31 retirement.