Louisiana House passes bill to reform Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans billing

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A bill aimed at reforming Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans customer bills passed in the Louisiana House on Tuesday, April 16.

The bill states the SWBNO should present every residential customer with the option of paying a fixed monthly rate for services. Additionally, the fixed rate available to a customer should be determined by averaging the customer’s recent bills.

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The bill further states that the board should notify each residential customer of the option to pay a fixed rate and the amount they can pay.

Residents who choose to pay a fixed rate should be billed the specific monthly amount until an automated meter is installed and working at their homes.

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For residents who dispute their SWBNO bills, an arbitration program has been established and will function with specific requirements:

• The legislative auditor and New Orleans Inspector General should appoint an arbiter for each council district

• If a customer disputes their bill or the fixed rate, the case should be referred to the arbiter for their council district

• The arbiter is to meet with the customer in a private setting at a public building within the district and review all evidence

• Based on the review the arbiter will determine if the rate is appropriate or not.

• If the arbiter determines that the appropriate bill for the customer is lower than reported then they will alert the board which is required to lower the rate based on the arbiter’s determinations.

• If the customer is dissatisfied with the determination the of the arbiter then the customer may appeal to the city council.

The bill passed with a 99-0 vote.

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