Experienced. Dedicated. Thorough.

Water Utility Advocacy

Many water utilities face significant challenges regarding increasing costs for system upgrades, expansion, and improvements, while also being made subject to additional federal, state and local environmental regulations. Marionneaux Kantrow, LLC, assists water utilities when faced with these issues, including compliance with regulations of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (LDHH), and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).

To maintain quality water systems and to meet governmental compliance standards, water utilities often need to obtain loans and refinance existing debt. Most loans and re-financings must be approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. We have assisted many utilities with obtaining loan and re-financing approvals. Additionally, many water utilities will need to seek rate increases and adjustments to provide for system upgrades, and Marionneaux Kantrow, LLC, has regularly assisted in developing, applying for, and seeking rate increases and adjustments, while also seeking rate recovery of all prudently incurred costs, including our attorney fees.

Acquisitions of water utility systems or significant assets of a water utility, mergers of water utilities, and changes of ownership and control typically require advance LPSC approval. To obtain such approvals, numerous public interest factors must be positively established. Marionneaux Kantrow, LLC, has assisted with all aspects of sale and control change transactions, from beginning to end, and can be an important partner in helping a utility develop and achieve their goals.

Non-Profit Water Utilities

We have also assisted many LPSC-regulated entities with compliance regarding the proper payment of LPSC inspection and supervision (I&S) fees and transportation and communication utilities tax (TCT), with audits conducted by the LPSC and Louisiana Department of Revenue regarding the same, and with avoiding being made subject to receivership for alleged related non-compliance. Additionally, LPSC orders regarding territorial rights and competition may protect the rights of LPSC-regulated water utilities in maintaining the right to continue to serve existing customers and to serve new customers. Our attorneys have assisted with identifying and protecting the rights of our utility clients to serve customers.

Contact Our Firm For Water Utility Matters

Marionneaux Kantrow, LLC, continually monitors and remains aware of all Louisiana Public Service Commission regulations which may affect water utilities, and can assist with influencing such LPSC actions to serve our clients interests. We are ready to assist and look forward to helping water utilities with all of their legal needs. Call 225-769-7473 or email us for a consultation.