Letlow: Prioritize Grid Resiliency to Prevent Power Outages

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the recent ice storm affecting North Louisiana, Congresswoman Julia Letlow is calling on federal agencies to prioritize preventative efforts to reduce the likelihood of widespread power outages the next time disaster strikes.

In a letter to leadership at the Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy, Congresswoman Julia Letlow requested that the agencies prioritize grid resiliency initiatives in disaster-prone regions that would prevent mass outages, such as the targeted deployment of buried power lines. Such efforts were promised, but not fully delivered under the Biden Administration.

“While federal programs under the Biden administration promoted large-scale undergrounding of power lines, these outcomes have not materialized as promised. I encourage policies that empower states, utilities, and rural electric cooperatives to evaluate underground solutions where fiscally responsible and operationally justified, while ensuring ratepayers are protected from cost increases,” wrote Congresswoman Letlow.

Over 100,000 Louisianans lost power in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, with severe weather exposing vulnerabilities in existing power systems.

“Prolonged outages disrupted homes, agricultural operations, small businesses, schools, and other essential services. I have also heard directly from constituents who lost refrigerated and frozen food, highlighting the real financial strain unreliable service places on families,” added Congresswoman Letlow.

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