By Bonnie Culverhouse

(Editor’s note: See Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s Webster Parish Journal for exclusive interviews with Mayor Nick Cox on City of Minden’s power contract.)

In a unanimous move tonight, Minden City Council voted to give Mayor Nick Cox the authority to enter into a contract with Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA) to supply electricity to the citizens of Minden.

“Getting through the vote is a monumental step,” said Cox, and it’s a step he believes will lead to lower bills for those paying for utilities in Minden.

According to the contract, transmission is administered by the regional grid operator Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). LEPA coordinates and schedules power on Minden’s behalf. Local maintenance and repairs will remain with Minden’s utility crews. The City of Minden will handle downed lines, routine upkeep and direct customer support just as it does now.

LEPA will take control June 1, 2025 with a five-year contract, and residents and business owners should begin seeing lower utility bills.

CLICK HERE to view the Attorney General’s Opinion