Atkins wants to bring common sense to Louisiana PSC
Currently Caddo Parish Commissioner seeks new seat in May 16 GOP primary
John E. Atkins says he wants to bring a common-sense approach to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
Atkins, a third-term Republican Caddo Parish Commissioner from Shreveport, is running for the state PSC District 5. His opponent in the May 16 Republican primary is Aiden Joyner. James Green and Austin Lawson are running in the Democratic primary. Incumbent Foster Campbell, a Democrat, can’t run because of term limits after 18 years on PSC.
District 5 covers northwest Louisiana, from the Texas border to the Mississippi line. Shreveport-Bossier, Ruston and Monroe-West Monroe are the district’s population hubs.
Early voting is scheduled May 2-9.
The five-member Louisiana PSC primarily regulates utility companies along with a few other industries such as towing and moving van companies. Its members have the power to set rates for electricity and approve or deny large infrastructure projects such as new power plants and intrastate pipelines.
Atkins, who lives in Shreveport, also recently announced he won’t accept campaign donations from the utilities he would regulate as a member of the PSC.
“I think it’s best to keep them at arm’s length,” he told the Shreveport Times, also noting his campaign returned an early donation from a utility company.
Atkins says he has the talent and experience needed to serve on the PSC.
“I have the skills and capabilities to help ensure that Louisiana residents and the Louisiana economy retain the benefits of low-cost power and a reliable grid, as I believe that these two characteristics are critical to future economic development in the state,” Atkins said on his campaign Facebook page. “Affordable and reliable electric power also brings more employers to our state.
“If we want to win the economic development battle, we must first win the battle for low-cost power and a reliable electric grid.”
A successful businessman, Atkins is a principal and partner of Atco Investment Company, an asset management company focusing on oil and gas, timberland and alternative assets. He also is a co-founder and partner in Louisiana Timber Partners and serves on the boards of directors of two privately-held companies: Aeropres Corporation, a Louisiana-based manufacturer of industrial gases, and Maven Royalty Partners LLC, an acquirer of oil & gas mineral interests.
He describes himself as a believer in small government and as a principled conservative. He said he will work to ensure residents have access to low-cost reliable electric service.
Atkins’ platform, according to his campaign website, touts fiscal responsibility, transparency, efficient use of taxpayer money and fighting any tax increases. He also wants to work toward low utility rates as well as updating and upgrading water systems.
“John will make sound decisions on utility rates based on engineering and economics, not politics,” his site states. “John will push for transparency and accountability from utility companies. He also believes that we should strive to minimize costly inefficiencies and over-regulation of our residents and businesses.
“John will always put the needs of Louisiana’s families and businesses ahead of special interests. He will fight for fair rates, better service and stronger consumer protections.”
Atkins says he will “work endlessly” to ensure North Louisiana residents and businesses have access to low-cost reliable electric service.
“He will hold utility companies accountable for building and maintaining a safe and reliable grid,” his website states. “Our power supply and grid are outdated and strained. John will push to expand and upgrade our power infrastructure to ensure affordable, reliable energy for the future.
“John will focus on upgrading or replacing aging and non-compliant water systems. He will also support spending government dollars more efficiently and cutting government waste.”
Atkins has served on Gov. Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial transition team, spent several years on the state Tobacco Settlement Finance Corporation Board and has been a supporter of the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority for many years.
Atkins graduated with a degree in geology from Washington & Lee University, a masters in geological sciences from the University of Texas and a masters of business administration from Northwestern.
He has been endorsed by U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) as well as the Caddo Parish Republican Party, which said Atkins “has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the people of Louisiana with integrity, transparency and a focus on keeping utility services reliable and affordable for families and businesses alike. …
“We are confident that John Atkins will work tirelessly to put ratepayers first, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure responsible oversight of our utilities.”