How much longer is Entergy going to charge consumers storm restoration charges?

The charges, which cover hurricane repair costs, will be on Entergy Louisiana bills well into the next decade.

The share of the assessment associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be on bills until 2018. The duration for other storms’ portions: Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, until 2022; Hurricane Isaac, until 2024.

The money from the assessment goes to the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corp., which was created in 2007 to fund disaster recovery work through, the authorizing statute says, an “alternate financing structure” designed “to minimize costs charged to ratepayers.”

“Supporting the financial strength and stability of utility companies that already have restored and rebuilt, partially or completely, their utility systems after natural disasters is a valid public purpose in the best interests of the citizens of the state,” reads the statute, R.S. 45:1311.

“The provision of utility services is necessary to the economic welfare of the state and a crucial element in the continued prosperity of Louisiana’s citizens. The swift restoration of utility services by utility companies following disasters such as tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters and terrorist attacks can minimize the devastating effects of such disasters.”

According to its fiscal year 2015 financial report, released May 2 by the state Legislative Auditor’s Office, the LURC last year issued nearly $244 million in restoration bonds to Entergy Louisiana and $71 million in bonds to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, which is now part of Entergy Louisiana.

The report says the LURC collected $160,121,964 in restoration charges from Entergy Louisiana in fiscal year 2015 and $67,897,592 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

It paid $32 million in interest and $110 million in principal obligations on 2008 and 2010 bonds issued on behalf of the first company, as well as nearly $15 million in interest and $48 million in principal obligations on bonds issued for the second company.

LURC restoration charges collected from the utilities over the last several years, according to legislative auditor reports:

2014 — $141,164,474 from Entergy; $62,604,791 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

2013 — $145,591,868 from Entergy Louisiana; $64,025,764 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

2012 — $141,508,266 from Entergy Louisiana; $63,340,432 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

2011 — $132,024,726 from Entergy Louisiana; $60,133,535 Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

2010 — $102,064,559 from Entergy Louisiana; $42,762,474 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

2009 — $70,251,965 from Entergy Louisiana; $29,066,818 from Entergy Gulf States Louisiana.

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Online: www.entergy-louisiana.com; www.legis.la.gov; www.lla.la.gov.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.