Stephanie Hilferty enters Public Service Commission race focused on energy costs

State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty announced Monday she will run for the District 1 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission, considered one of the most powerful elected offices in the state.

The five-member commission 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. 

Hilferty, a 40-year-old Republican, is a real estate agent and a New Orleans native in her third term in the Louisiana Legislature. Her legislative district includes portions of New Orleans and Metairie. 

Her most prominent work involving utilities has been legislation aiming to bring accountability to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. The state-created agency has a long history of frequent issues with drinking water quality, street drainage, sewage treatment and the power system that runs all three systems.  

In a news release, Hilferty described herself as a conservative who “isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo” and believes the Public Service Commission should be focused on protecting ratepayers from the increasing cost of electricity. She also alluded to extended power outages in North Louisiana during the recent winter storm, suggesting they were preventable with available technology.

“As a mom of young children, I know firsthand how tight our budgets are, and people shouldn’t have to worry every month about their utility bills,” Hilferty said. “In 2026, no one should fear losing power for weeks after a storm. Just as I’ve asked the tough questions to expose the failures on the Sewerage & Water Board, I’ll hold the companies the LPSC regulates accountable, too.”

The District 1 seat represents large swaths of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Livingston, Washington and St. Helena parishes. 

It is currently held by Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, who has announced he will run for U.S. Senate.

The closed party primary for the District 1 and District 5 seats on the Public Service Commission will be held on May 16. Candidates for these races, Louisiana’s congressional seats and a short slate of judgeships and local races will qualify this week from Wednesday through Friday.

A Hilferty victory would likely maintain the Republican Party’s 3-2 control of the commission, though she has promised to be a “watchdog” for people rather than a “rubber stamp” for companies. 

“Utilities are critical partners in powering our state, but the Public Service Commission works for the public,” Hilferty said in a text message. “Every decision should reflect the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses who depend on reliable service and fair rates.”