RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 393 (HB 965) 2024 Regular Session Hilferty
New law requires the sewerage and water board of New Orleans (the board) to present every
residential customer with the option of paying a fixed monthly rate for services. Requires
the board to notify each customer, within 120 days of the effectiveness of new law, of the
option for fixed rate billing and the amount he would pay each month. Provides that the
fixed rate applies to the customer until an automated meter is installed and operable at his
residence.
New law provides for an arbitration program applicable to customers who dispute their bills.
Requires the following with respect to the program:
(1) The legislative auditor and the New Orleans inspector general shall appoint two
arbiters for each councilmanic district in New Orleans, subject to confirmation by the
city council. One arbiter from each district shall be appointed to serve on the
residential arbitration team, and one arbiter from each district shall be appointed to
serve on the commercial arbitration team.
(2) If a customer disputes a monthly bill or the fixed monthly rate offered pursuant to
new law, his case shall be referred to the appropriate arbitration team.
(3) Requires each arbitration team to hold regularly scheduled appointment days at a
public facility in each of the councilmanic districts to discuss cases with particular
customers. Requires that at least one member of the team meet with each customer
in a private location at the public facility and review the evidence pertaining to the
customer's dispute.
(4) Based on the review, the arbiter shall determine whether the bill or fixed rate amount
is appropriate and, if not, what the appropriate amount or rate is.
(5) If the arbiter determines that the appropriate bill or rate amount is lower than what
has been submitted to the customer, he shall notify the board, and the board shall
lower the amount or rate to that which the arbiter has determined is appropriate.
(6) Provides that the customer may appeal the arbiter's determination to the city council
as otherwise provided by existing law.
Effective upon signature of governor (May 28, 2024).
(Adds R.S. 33:4159.3)