The reliability of the electrical service to Live Oak Estates in Baton Rouge is poor. Electrical power is lost several times per year. In 2020 alone (January through October 11), electrical power has been lost 6 times. In an article published by Choose Energy in 2017, the 5 least reliable utilities in the nation were listed. In that article, the average number of power interruptions including major event days (MEDs) caused by extreme weather and other factors from the 5 least reliable utilities were 2.1 events/year. That data suggests that the electrical power reliability to Live Oak Estates is 2.86 times less reliable than the least reliable utilities in the nation (and the year is not over yet).

The electrical power supplier to Live Oak Estates is Entergy. Entergy has been contacted regarding the reliability issue numerous times. Entergy has been told that electrical power is lost to the neighborhood nearly every time the wind is slightly more than a breeze. At times, electrical power is interrupted on sunny days with no weather events what so ever. Entergy is quick to suggest that crews have been dispatched to clear right-of-ways and improve infrastructure to improve the electrical reliability to Live Oak Estates. However, the poor reliability performance of Entergy speaks much more accurately and clearly than the jargon that is reported by the company. The author of this petition has been a resident of Live Oak Estates for over 27 years and can attest that the electrical reliability to the neighborhood has always been poor and has not improved over time. At least 25% of the residents of the neighborhood have resorted to installing standby electrical generators at a cost of $5,000 to $15,000 per household due to the poor electrical reliability. Many others have resorted to portable generators whose operation can have deadly consequences for either the homeowners or linemen if not managed responsibly.

This petition is being presented in hopes of driving change and improving the electrical service reliability of Live Oak Estates. It is the hope of the author that every resident of Live Oak Estates will sign the petition. Upon completion of petition signing, the petition will be sent to Doctor Craig Greene, Commissioner – District 2 of the Louisiana Public Service Commission as well as to Entergy.

Please join me by signing this petition so that our voices will be heard and hopefully improve our electrical service reliability to our otherwise wonderful neighborhood.

Harry Anderson