A contentious statewide energy efficiency program will be discussed for the umpteenth time at Wednesday's state utilities meeting in Baton Rouge, where commissioners are scheduled to vote on a compromise proposal. However, panel Chairman Eric Skrmetta said he will oppose this latest plan, which would aim to make the program voluntary for Louisiana's energy companies.
The energy-efficiency initiative was given final approval back in December by the five members of the state Public Service Commission. But the program was later halted when the panel composition changed, adding newly minted commissioner Scott Angelle and losing moderate Republican Jimmy Field.