Poll: Louisiana Voters Reject Electricity Deregulation Once They Learn the Facts

A recent poll of Louisiana voters, conducted by Peak Insights, reveals a striking trend: while many initially support electricity deregulation, that support collapses once they learn what it actually means.

At first glance, 61% of voters expressed support for deregulation, believing it would introduce competition and lower prices. However, after learning about the real-world consequences—such as higher costs, reduced oversight, and reliability concerns—opposition surged to 78%, with only 14% still in favor.

Here’s why voters overwhelmingly reject deregulation:

• Loss of Local Control – Voters want Louisiana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) to regulate electric rates, not out-of-state corporations.

• Higher Prices – In states that have deregulated, electricity costs have soared, with some customers paying double.

• Less Reliable Service – Deregulation weakens oversight, increasing the risk of outages, particularly during extreme weather.

Voters also rejected so-called “partial” or “industrial” deregulation, which would allow large corporations to bypass the regulated system. Opposition to this proposal jumped from 55% to 81% when voters learned it could lead to higher costs for households and a less stable power grid.

The takeaway is clear: the more Louisianans learn about deregulation, the more they oppose it.