Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)

An IRP is a comprehensive decision support tool and road map for meeting LUS’s objectives of providing reliable and affordable electric service, while addressing the risks and uncertainties of the electric utility business.

LUS plant

The Planning

Our partner in developing LUS’s IRP is Burns & McDonnell, a consultant group based out of Kansas City, MO, who provides engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions worldwide.

Following a two year process involving community feedback, LUS’s IRP concluded and long-term renewable resources were recommended to be a larger part of our energy mix. The IRP reviewed renewables such as wind, solar, and thermal, among those, solar energy was determined to be the most cost effective.

Based on the recommendations from the IRP, LUS is currently seeking to procure up to 300 MW of solar energy from Louisiana-based solar projects. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will seek purchased power agreements, with terms ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Collaboration

“The collaboration between LUS and our customers for the IRP presented us with some exciting options. We are looking forward to following through on the recommendation to pursue renewable resources,” said Jeffrey Stewart, LUS Engineering and Power Supply Manager. “The responses to this RFP will allow LUS to achieve its goals of providing low cost, reliable, and environmentally friendly power to our customers.”

Community Information Sessions

These sessions helped the community better understand how LUS works and provides electricity to the citizens of Lafayette while involving them in determining what kind of technology we need to invest in for the future to achieve our objectives of providing affordable and reliable energy.