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NEW ORLEANS - Today the New Orleans City Council announced the introduction of a new ordinance, authored by Councilmembers JP Morrell and Joe Giarrusso, that would overhaul ineffective billing practices by the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). After assuming authority over SWBNO billing practices two years ago, the Council is taking additional steps to increase customer protections, implement common-sense reforms to billing, and streamline the process for customers to dispute erroneous bills.
“For the past two years, SWBNO has dragged their feet at every opportunity they could to delay necessary billing reforms that this Council unrelentingly advocated for,” said Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell. “In the absence of urgency to address widespread billing errors that have been ongoing for years, we are taking matters into our own hands to bring much-needed relief to residents.”
“SWBNO hasn’t cured its billing problems on its own,” said District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. “The State Legislature and Council will continue tightening this oversight so customers receive a fair bill and one that can be contested more quickly.”
“Everyone agrees that SWBNO billing is a problem. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Council and in the legislature who continue to act to create a better, more reliable system for our constituents. Hopefully, SWBNO will choose to work with us to improve their organization and services for their customers,” said Councilmember At-Large Helena Moreno.
“This ordinance is a necessary step to regulating Sewerage and Water Board’s billing," said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. "We constantly receive complaints about inaccurate bills. Having additional protections for our residents is critical, especially given the rising costs of living.”
“By establishing clear billing guidelines and robust dispute resolution processes, this ordinance ensures fair treatment and accountability for all residents,” said District C Councilmember Freddie King III in support of the ordinance. "This is a crucial step towards a more transparent and equitable relationship between the Sewerage and Water Board and the residents of New Orleans."
Key provisions of Ordinance Cal. No.34,775 include:
- Customer protections such as prohibiting service disconnects during extreme weather, weekends, and holidays; discharging debt upon a customer’s death; and notice requirements for scheduled repairs.
- Billing complaints will go directly to a firm selected by the Council rather than through SWBNO investigation and administrative hearing process.
- A fixed-rate option for residential customers.
- End of estimated billing effective January 1.
View Ordinance Cal. No.34,775 here.
Ordinance Cal. No.34,775 will be heard in the SWBNO Billing Ordinance Advisory Committee on Thursday, August 15, at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers. Following adjournment, the ordinances will be heard in the City Council Utility, Cable, Telecommunications, & Technology Committee.
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