Alexandria businessman Reldon Owens told the American Press editorial board Monday that he is seeking the District 4 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission because his experience in business is crucial in making decisions based on infrastructure.
This is Owens’ first time seeking political office. The district encompasses 17 parishes, including the five-parish area of Southwest Louisiana. The five-member commission regulates rates for utilities like electricity, gas, water, sewer and telephone.
Owens, who works for an Alexandria-based construction company, said he is familiar with making decisions about infrastructure. He said the next commissioner should “understand the importance of infrastructure” when it comes to economic development.
Owens said the majority of complaints he hears from constituents is related to cell phones and the internet, which the commission doesn’t regulate. However, he said fiber is one component not regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.
“Connectivity is a huge issue,” Owens said. “While the PSC doesn’t have regulatory authority over the internet, they do have regulatory authority over the people that provide those services. I think there’s an opportunity to try to promote broadband connectivity because it’s important for everybody.”
Owens said he also hears about the cost of utility bills. He said Louisiana is one of the top five states in the nation with the lowest electrical rates for homeowners. However, he said that isn’t the case with rates on commercial businesses.
“If we can go improve those rates for small businesses, that makes them more viable,” Owens said. “I think there’s an opportunity to look at that.”
When it comes to residential rates, Owens said he would look into energy efficiency and “behavior modification.” One example of that is avoiding energy usage during peak hours after 5 p.m.
“If you use that energy during peak demand, it’s going to cost more,” he said. “If you can wait and do (chores) after 9 p.m., it’s less expensive.”
Owens said the storm recovery fee instituted after Hurricane Rita was a smart decision by the commission. He said the commission saw an opportunity to sell “low-interest bonds” to fund repairs for utility companies.
Owens said the commissioners must strike a balance between making decisions for utility providers and those who pay the rates.
“That’s a tough call because sometimes you’re going to have to vote against your contributors,” he said. “At the same time, you’re there representing the people. I think your first responsibility is to your constituents you represent.”
If elected, Owens said he would like to see utility providers being efficient and operating “at the lowest cost possible.”
“That ultimately affects the rates that consumers pay,” he said.
Owens is running against Mary Werner, a Democrat, and Mike Francis a Republican. Clyde Holloway, who held the District 4 seat, died Oct. 16 at the age of 72.
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