Jeffrey Stewart, director of Lafayette Utilities System (LUS), was honored by the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA) Board of Directors for his service as chairman in 2024. The recognition took place during LEPA’s January meeting.
“The organization had three major accomplishments in 2024 under Mr. Stewart’s leadership,” said LEPA General Manager Kevin Bihm. “LEPA made history by welcoming the City of Ruston as its 20th member; Abbeville and Gueydan began receiving wholesale electricity from LEPA in June; and LEPA introduced state legislation to modify its 1979 enabling act.”
City of Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux has been installed as the 2025 chairman of the LEPA Board of Directors. Robichaux, who has served on the board for 10 years, previously held officer positions, including chairman in 2017, 2018, and 2021.
“Chuck is a proven leader not only in the community of Rayne, but he has been a positive influence on municipal government in the State of Louisiana. We are fortunate to have him as chairman of the LEPA Board once again,” Bihm said.
Other officers named for 2025 include Mayor Jason Willis of St. Martinville as vice chairman and Mayor Rosalyn White of Abbeville as secretary/treasurer. The remaining members of the LEPA Operating Committee for 2025 include Mayor Buz Craft of Vidalia and Mayor Mike Kloesel of Kaplan.
LEPA, a joint-action agency based in Lafayette, comprises 19 member municipalities that own and operate their own electrical systems. Member cities include Abbeville, Alexandria, Erath, Gueydan, Houma, Jonesville, Kaplan, Lafayette, Minden, Morgan City, Natchitoches, New Roads, Plaquemine, Rayne, St. Martinville, Vidalia, Vinton, Welsh, and Winnfield.
A photograph from the January meeting shows Stewart being recognized for his service, alongside Bihm and Robichaux.