Erath aldermen look for ways to lower electricity rates

ERATH - One of the biggest complaints about living in Erath is how expensive the electricity is. The Erath Aldermen and Mayor John Earl LeBlanc talked about if there are ways to lower the electricity rates for the customer.
At Monday’s meeting, a few  aldermen had questions for Fayetta Dupre, the Town’s CPA,   if there was any way to lower the electrical rates.
Alderman Tony Richard brought up the electrical issue to Dupre.
“What would it take to lower the electricity rates, if possible?,” Richard said. “I would like to know what we can and cannot do.”
The town of Erath, like most municipalities, uses the money generated from electricity to operate the town.  The money generated from electrical rates not only supports the electrical department, but also funds part of the police and fire department, as well as, the general fund.
Dupre explained to the aldermen that the Town is on par to finish with a  balanced budget early into the fiscal year.  She said based on the 2015 budget the Town has a small surplus of $4,500.
She also explained that Erath purchases electricity from SLEMCO for a certain rate and the town is locked into that rate for at least one more year. The contract with SLEMCO expires in December of 2015. 
Because of the contract, the only way Erath could lower rates is by cutting expenditures from the budget, said Mayor LeBlanc.  
Alderman Robert ‘T-Bob' Domingues said the town needs to shop for lower electrical rates for next year.
The aldermen did vote to put back on the electrical bill the fuel charge adjustments the town is being charged by SLEMCO.  By having it on the bill, it lets the customer  see how much SLEMCO is charging for fuel adjustment costs. 
The Mayor said it would cost the town an extra $1,200 to make new bills include the fuel adjustment cost on the bill.  
Dupre is expected to report back to the aldermen and mayor next month if it is possible to lower the electrical  rates.