Entergy Louisiana gets permission to raise rates

Entergy Louisiana customers will pay about two percent more for electricity starting next month, under a deal that the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Wednesday.

The PSC voted for the rate hike after Entergy agreed to settle the commission's claim that the company had been mismanaging its Grand Gulf nuclear power plant in Mississippi at the expense of ratepayers.

NOLA.com reports Entergy has already settled similar claims made by the New Orleans City Council and regulators in Arkansas and Mississippi.

The $95 million deal helped keep the rate increase lower, and will also mean the utility will reduce reconnect fees for some customers, and make more low-income senior citizens eligible for discounts.