Updates & Document Library

February 21, 2025

Direct Testimony of Timothy J. Allen Supporting SLECA’s Petition for Abandonment

Timothy J. Allen, General Manager of Apache Louisiana Minerals (ALM), testifies in support of SLECA’s petition to abandon the Lake Decade electric lines. ALM owns much of the land under the lake line and previously coordinated with SLECA during storm repairs. After Hurricane Ida, ALM asked SLECA to remove damaged poles from its property and advised it would not allow reconstruction of a hardened FEMA-standard line because the required heavy equipment repeatedly damages ALM’s wetland property. Allen notes that only about 40 camp leases would be served if the line were restored and that declining camp occupancy makes the service less viable. ALM also objects to granting new servitudes for reconstruction, citing cost and environmental impact. He argues that most SLECA members should not have to pay for rebuilding a recreational-use service benefiting only a small number of camps. Allen concludes by urging the Louisiana Public Service Commission to approve SLECA’s request to permanently abandon the line.

October 15, 2024

Late Intervention Request – Cleveland Matherne (LPSC Docket S-37394)

Cleveland Matherne submits a formal request to the Louisiana Public Service Commission to be added as a late intervenor in Docket S-37394 concerning SLECA’s petition to abandon electric facilities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Matherne states he is directly affected as a camp owner in Lake Fields and requests to be added to the service list. His contact information and address are provided.

October 15, 2024

Late Intervention Request – E. Paul Blanchard (LPSC Docket S-37394)

E. Paul Blanchard submits a formal request to be added as a late intervenor in LPSC Docket S-37394 involving SLECA’s petition to abandon electric facilities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Blanchard states he is directly affected as a camp owner in Lake Fields and asks to be placed on the service list. The document includes his mailing address, lot information, phone number, and email.

October 15, 2024

Late Intervention Request – Jerry Percle (LPSC Docket S-37394)

Jerry Percle submits a formal request to be added as a late intervenor in LPSC Docket S-37394, which concerns SLECA’s petition to abandon electric facilities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. He states that he is directly affected as a camp owner in Lake Fields and asks to be included on the service list. The document includes his mailing address, lot information, and contact number.

October 15, 2024

Late Intervention Request – Patrick Porche (LPSC Docket S-37394)

Patrick Porche requests approval to be added as a late intervenor in LPSC Docket S-37394, involving SLECA’s petition to abandon electric facilities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. He states he is directly affected as a camp owner in Lake Fields and asks to be placed on the service list. The letter includes his address, lot details, and contact number.

October 15, 2024

Late Intervention Request – Wilbert J. Bernard (LPSC Docket S-37394)

Wilbert J. Bernard requests to be added as a late intervenor in LPSC Docket S-37394 concerning SLECA’s petition to abandon electric facilities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. He states he is directly affected as a camp owner in Lake Fields and asks to be added to the service list. The letter includes his address, contact information, and lot/block details (Lot 10, Block S-1).

October 14, 2024

Guidroz Family Intervention & Objection to SLECA’s Proposed Abandonment of Lake Decade Power Lines

The Guidroz family filed a formal objection to SLECA’s plan to abandon the power lines serving Lake Decade, arguing that SLECA dismantled the lines without authority and reversed years of written commitments promising restoration after storms. They explain that camp owners have relied on this power for decades and have invested heavily in their camps based on SLECA’s assurances. The filing details severe financial harm caused by long-term generator use, notes that FEMA would fund 90% of a rebuild, and claims SLECA ignored viable alternatives like microgrids. The family asks the Public Service Commission to order SLECA to restore the lines or provide another reliable power solution.

September 23, 2024

Affidavit of Matthew Peters – SLECA Petition for Approval of Proposed Abandonment

This affidavit, executed by Matthew Peters, General Manager of SLECA, affirms that he is the executive responsible for the Petition for Approval of Proposed Abandonment filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Peters states that SLECA has complied with all LPSC rules and regulations, including General Order R-30301, and that all statements in the petition are true and correct based on his personal knowledge. The affidavit is sworn before Notary Kara Kantrow on September 23, 2024.

September 9, 2024

SLECA Public Notice – Proofs of Publication & Affidavits (September 2024)

This combined document contains official proofs of publication and affidavits verifying that SLECA’s required public notice—regarding its intent not to restore 44.5 linear miles of electric distribution infrastructure damaged in the 2021 hurricane season—was properly published in multiple newspapers on September 9, 2024.

The notices were printed in:

The Advocate (Baton Rouge / New Orleans)

The Daily Comet

The Houma Courier

Each notice states that SLECA will not rebuild or restore distribution lines in the following areas:

Lake Decade

Grand Pass

Lake Fields

Four Point Island

The notices cite Louisiana Public Service Commission General Order R-30301 (July 9, 2008) and include contact information for both the LPSC and SLECA.

The affidavits include notarized statements confirming publication, along with publication costs, order numbers, and signatures from newspaper representatives.

August 21, 2024

SLECA Notice of Decision Not to Rebuild Lake Lines – August 21, 2024

SLECA informs members that after extensive analysis and years of review following Hurricane Ida, the Board has voted not to rebuild the remote lake distribution lines serving Lake Decade, Lake Fields, Grand Pass, and Four Point Road.

The letter explains that rebuilding the lines is estimated at $105 million. FEMA would cover only 90%, leaving SLECA members responsible for the remaining $10.5 million, with potential additional costs raising the total burden to $15.5 million. The Board states SLECA cannot afford the project without significant rate increases to all members.

Three construction methods were evaluated (steel, wood, hybrid), all expensive and complex. Rebuilding the lines as they previously existed is not allowed because FEMA would not reimburse unless the system is hardened to 170 mph, making the project even more costly.

The Board explains why the decision took nearly 3 years: FEMA requirements, cost verification, and detailed engineering analysis were not finalized until mid-2024. Once the final estimate confirmed the high costs, SLECA decided the project is too risky and financially unsustainable.

SLECA announces intent to file a Petition for Abandonment with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), which will include public meetings and hearings where members may voice their opinions.

April 5, 2023

SLECA Update on Lake Line Rebuild Progress and FEMA Requirements

SLECA updates camp owners on the status of the Lake Decade, Grand Pass, Lake Fields, and Four Point power line rebuild following Hurricane Ida. They explain that contractors have been working for months to remove damaged lines from the lakes to improve safety and reduce liability risks. SLECA states that the project is still in the engineering and planning phase and that they are working closely with FEMA on a rebuild plan that meets federal requirements.

Because the lake lines have been repeatedly damaged in storms, FEMA will only reimburse reconstruction if the new system is built to withstand 170 mph hurricane-force winds, which requires hardened construction. SLECA says rebuilding the lines back to pre-Ida standards would risk financial loss since FEMA would not cover repairs for future damage.

They emphasize that the rebuild process is lengthy and complex, involving FEMA approval, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting, Louisiana DNR approval, and long material lead times. The full engineering and construction process may take 3–4 years.

SLECA thanks camp owners for their patience and assures them they will provide updates as the project progresses.

July 13, 2022

SLECA Commitment to Rebuilding Lake Decade Power Lines

SLECA addresses camp owners regarding the status of the damaged lake power lines in Lake Decade, Grand Pass, Lake Fields, and Four Point after Hurricane Ida. The cooperative reassures residents that it fully intends to rebuild all lake lines and has already begun contracting crews to remove debris and damaged infrastructure.

The letter explains that SLECA remains heavily engaged in storm recovery efforts across its service area and emphasizes that camp owners have not been forgotten. SLECA has been working with consultants, engineering firms, and FEMA to determine the best method for rebuilding the lines to withstand future hurricane-force winds.

FEMA has agreed to fund rebuilding within the lakes, but the process requires extensive engineering work and multiple permits from agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisiana DNR, and Louisiana DEQ. The letter notes that rebuilding the system without hardening is also being considered, but it could shift financial risk to camp owners if FEMA does not reimburse future storm repairs.

SLECA closes by thanking camp owners for their patience and reiterating that all decisions will be made with their best interests in mind.

October 25, 2021

SLECA Notification of Extended Power Outage After Hurricane Ida

SLECA informs camp owners in Lake Decade, Lake Fields, and Grand Pass that, due to severe and unprecedented damage from Hurricane Ida, power to camps in these areas will be out for an extended period—potentially lasting well into the following year.

The cooperative explains that because the poles, lines, and infrastructure suffered extensive destruction, they cannot provide an estimated restoration date. SLECA suggests camp owners consider using a generator during this prolonged outage.

The letter also clarifies that while power is out, customers will not be charged a minimum monthly amount. Bills will show no usage and no balance due.

Camp owners with questions are directed to contact SLECA Operations Superintendent Matt Peters at 985-876-6880.

SLECA apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks camp owners for their patience and understanding.

SLECA Lake Line System Maps – Four Point Island, Grand Pass, Lake Decade & Lake Fields

This combined document includes four official SLECA maps illustrating the full layout of the remote lake electric line systems proposed for abandonment under LPSC Docket S-37394. The maps cover:

Four Point Island – localized overhead line route to the island camps.

Grand Pass – approximately 8.77 miles of overhead line extending through marsh regions to Grand Pass camps.

Lake Decade – the largest system, mapping 38.08 miles of overhead and tap lines servicing the Lake Decade camp areas.

Lake Fields – a 4.74-mile electric line route running along the north and west edge of Lake Fields.

These maps collectively show the total scope, reach, and geographical challenges of the lake line systems that SLECA has identified as cost-prohibitive to rebuild following Hurricane Ida. The document provides visual reference for regulators, camp owners, and stakeholders evaluating access, distance, and environmental considerations.