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Happy Friday!
May 1st, 2026
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The America First Energy Project here to bring you our perspective and matters we know
are important for the community, decision makers, and economy of a strong, energy-independent state.
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Louisiana’s Energy Edge: Affordable, Reliable, and Built for Growth
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Louisiana’s position as a national leader in energy affordability has once again been validated by the latest report from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The 2026 Energy Affordability Report ranks Louisiana among the top three states in the nation for lowest average retail electricity prices, coming in at just 8.80 cents per kilowatt-hour well below the national average of 13.69 cents. This distinction underscores a critical reality that affordable, reliable energy is not only central to household stability, but also a cornerstone of economic competitiveness and long-term growth.
The ALEC report highlights a clear pattern across the country. States like Louisiana, North Dakota, and Nebraska which maintain some of the lowest electricity prices tend to avoid overly burdensome mandates. Instead, these states emphasize regulatory flexibility and market driven energy development. Louisiana does maintain a net metering program, the report notes that it has been structured in a way that has not significantly driven up costs, thanks in large part to a diverse and balanced generation mix. This approach allows the state to support innovation without shifting undue financial burdens onto non-participating ratepayers.
At the same time, the report serves as a timely reminder that affordability cannot be taken for granted, especially as Louisiana stands on the brink of historic economic expansion. Billions of dollars in new industrial investments, including major manufacturing facilities, data centers, and energy intensive operations, are rapidly increasing the state’s demand for electricity. Louisiana already consumes more power than it generates, and the coming wave of development will only intensify the need for reliable, scalable energy infrastructure. Meeting this demand while preserving affordability will require disciplined policymaking and a continued commitment to what works.
For Louisiana, policymakers must continue to prioritize an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that leverages the state’s strengths across renewable resources, natural gas and nuclear. This balanced approach not only enhances grid reliability but also ensures that the state can adapt to evolving market conditions without sacrificing affordability. Just as importantly, it provides the flexibility needed to support large scale economic development projects without placing upward pressure on residential rates.
As Louisiana looks to the future, maintaining its status as the energy leader will depend on staying grounded in policies that protect consumers, encourage investment, and preserve reliability. The ALEC Energy Affordability Report offers a valuable benchmark, but it also delivers a clear message: states that get energy policy right create an environment where families thrive, businesses grow, and economies remain competitive. Louisiana has built that foundation and now it must continue to strengthen it in the face of rising demand and expanding opportunity.
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From the Road
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Over the past two weeks America First Energy Project attended and participated in the multiple renewable energy days at the Legislature.
Executive Director, Jeff Arnold with Gov. Landry’s Chief of Staff Julie Emerson. Senate President Cameron Henry meeting with Louisiana Renewables Day attendees.
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This Week in Louisiana History
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Signed on April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was a landmark deal where the U.S. acquired 828,000 square miles of land from France for $15 million, doubling the nation’s size for roughly 4 cents an acre. The territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, covering parts of 15 modern states, significantly fueling westward expansion.
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Where We Went
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In the past couple weeks, the AFE team was in East Baton Rouge, St. Helena, Livingston Parish, and the Town of Sterlington.
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Where To Next
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We’ll be in back in St. Tammany Parish,
St. Helena, and East Baton Rouge .
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Distributed Energy Can Unleash the Resilient, Affordable Grid of the Future
– Pew
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Rising electricity demand and aging grid infrastructure are putting pressure on reliability and driving higher costs for consumers, prompting utilities to pursue large-scale investments. At the same time, distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, battery storage, and smart technologies are emerging as cost-effective tools to strengthen grid resilience and reduce peak demand.
By generating power closer to where it’s used and enabling smarter energy management, these technologies can help defer expensive infrastructure upgrades while improving reliability. Policymakers are increasingly looking at ways to integrate these resources, streamline deployment, and support a more flexible, affordable, and resilient energy system.
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