Home News BREAKING: Minden City Council Approves Landmark Energy Agreement with LEPA, Ushering in New Era for Local Utilities

BREAKING: Minden City Council Approves Landmark Energy Agreement with LEPA, Ushering in New Era for Local Utilities

by Will Phillips

A new era for the city began during the Minden February City Council meeting, where the council unanimously agreed to enter into a series of agreements that would allow Minden to start receiving wholesale power and energy from the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority.

They had been prevented from making this move earlier due to state laws that set minimum time requirements for local municipalities before entering into agreements for utilities.

“There is a state statute that says a municipality is prevented from entering into a contract with a private entity for the purchase of utilities for a term greater than fifteen years. Our utility contract is in its sixteenth year, so it’s time for us to find another source,” said Mayor Nick Cox.

“I presented y’all with what I believe to be the best alternative, which is LEPA. After many, many attorneys, consultants, accountants, and a lot of hours of work, I recommend these three agreements presented to you tonight from LEPA.”

During council comments, Councilman Andy Pendergrass of District E expressed his thanks to everyone who brought the agreement to fruition.

“I just wanted to thank everybody who had a part in item number six tonight,” said Pendergrass. “It’s been a lot of work. It’s every bit as big of a deal as it seems, and we’ll release more information soon on just how significant it is.”

Councilman Buddy Myles of District A also expressed his appreciation, noting it as an example of how a unified city can bring real, meaningful change and how this is just the beginning.

“What you just witnessed was the sheer will and desire for something better for our community and doing right by the people. This achievement is a collective effort, not just from the council and the mayor, but also from public works, lawyers, consultants, and many others,” said Myles.

“This type of commitment and unity is long overdue in our town, and what better way to bring us together than something that affects everybody? Not just one side of town—everybody was affected by this. If nothing else, this should show you the power of unity and striving for what’s right for our constituents. Let this be a reminder to each and every one of you that when we stand together, there is no challenge too great and no goal too ambitious. This is just the beginning of what we plan to do. We will continue to work side by side to build a stronger, more prosperous community for everyone in the future, and we thank y’all for your support.”

The Minden City Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Minden Civic Center. Meetings are open to the public. For those who wish to view the meeting live or later, it is live-streamed on the City of Minden’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, titled City of Minden – Feels Like Home.

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