Shreveport Electric & Gas Franchise Hearings

Utilities and Infrastructure Louisiana 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

In Shreveport, Louisiana, franchise agreements for electric and gas utilities affect fees, rights of way, and sometimes city-collected franchise revenues. Consumers should know how municipal franchise hearings relate to city ordinances and how state utility rate proceedings intersect with local franchise matters. This guide explains who runs hearings, how to participate, what enforcement looks like, and the steps consumers can take to comment, appeal, or request relief.

Attend the public comment period early to preserve your right to speak at a hearing.

How municipal and state processes interact

City councils typically consider franchise ordinances and any amendments that grant utility use of public rights of way; separate state regulators may control utility base rates. For city-level franchise language and ordinance authority, consult the municipal code or charter. [1] For participation in formal state rate dockets, the Louisiana Public Service Commission provides procedures for comment and intervention. [2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The city and state each have distinct enforcement tracks depending on whether the issue is a franchise violation or a regulated utility rate matter.

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for franchise penalties and the LPSC docket rules for sanctions in state proceedings.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited municipal page; check ordinance language or resolution text for any graduated fines.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: municipal orders to remove facilities, revocation or nonrenewal of franchise terms, and state-ordered corrective actions are possible; the cited pages do not list specific remedies in table form.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: city franchise matters are administered through City Council and enforcement channels; state rate and service complaints are handled by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. See official contact points below.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeals of city ordinances follow local judicial review procedures or administrative review where provided; appeals of LPSC orders follow the procedures in state law and LPSC rules—time limits are not specified on the cited municipal page and are set by the LPSC docket rules for state matters.[1]
If a specific fine or deadline matters for your case, request the ordinance or docket entry in writing from the clerk or docket office.

Applications & Forms

Franchise ordinances are enacted by ordinance rather than a consumer application; there is typically no consumer “franchise” application. For state-level participation (e.g., filing comments or seeking intervenor status in an LPSC rate case), the commission posts docket-specific instructions and any required forms on its docket page. If a municipal form exists for a variance or permit tied to utility work, it should be listed on the city department page—none is specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

How to participate in a franchise or rate hearing

  1. Monitor notices: watch City Council agendas and LPSC dockets for published hearing dates.
  2. Submit written comments: follow the docket or council instructions for written comments; include docket/ordinance numbers when available.
  3. Request to speak: use the meeting sign-up or public comment procedures provided by the council or commission.
  4. Provide evidence: bring concise written exhibits and copies for the record when permitted.
  5. Follow up: check published orders or minutes after the hearing and note deadlines to seek rehearing or judicial review.
Keep records of filings, receipts, and correspondence—these are essential if you later seek review.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unauthorized use of right-of-way: may prompt corrective orders or remediation requirements; monetary fines not specified on the municipal page.[1]
  • Failure to comply with ordinance terms: could result in enforcement actions or additional conditions on renewal; specifics are set in ordinance text.
  • Service issues addressed in state dockets: customer refunds or rate adjustments are handled through LPSC proceedings where remedies and timelines are docket-specific.[2]

FAQ

Who decides franchise ordinances in Shreveport?
The Shreveport City Council adopts franchise ordinances and approves agreements affecting city rights of way.
Can I influence a utility rate that appears in a franchise hearing?
Local franchise terms and state utility rates are distinct; rate changes for investor-owned utilities are primarily handled by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, while the city manages franchise terms and fees.
How do I file a complaint about utility service?
File a service complaint with the utility and, if unresolved, submit a complaint or public comment to the Louisiana Public Service Commission using the docket procedures.

How-To

  1. Identify the docket or ordinance number from the City Council agenda or LPSC docket.
  2. Prepare a short written comment describing your concern and the remedy you seek.
  3. Submit your comment by the deadline to the clerk or docket office, and register to speak if you want to address the body in person.
  4. Attend the hearing, present your points succinctly, and provide copies of any exhibits for the record.
  5. After the decision, note appeal deadlines and request rehearing or file for judicial review within the time limits stated in the order or ordinance.
If you represent multiple affected customers, coordinate a single, well-documented submission to maximize impact.

Key Takeaways

  • City franchise decisions and state rate cases are separate but can affect the same utilities.
  • Act early: public comment deadlines and sign-up rules are strict.
  • Use official city and LPSC contacts to confirm procedures and deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - City of Shreveport (ordinances and franchise authority)
  2. [2] Louisiana Public Service Commission (rate dockets and public participation)

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