Kaplan, Louisiana Selects LEPA as New Electricity Provider

City council votes to become a Full Requirements Member of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The City of Kaplan, Louisiana has signed on as a wholesale electric customer of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA), effective June 1, 2026. The Kaplan City Council voted to become a Full Requirements Member of LEPA, making it the 15th municipality to do so. LEPA will now serve as Kaplan's wholesale electricity provider.

Why it matters

This move to LEPA provides Kaplan with very competitive power rates compared to other options. As a Full Requirements Member, LEPA will be responsible for providing stable and affordable electricity to the city, which is an important service for the community.

The details

The Kaplan Council voted to become a Full Requirements Member of LEPA at its February meeting, and the LEPA Board of Directors then approved the agreement at its Feb. 19 meeting. As a Full Requirements Member, LEPA will now serve as Kaplan's wholesale electricity provider, replacing the city's previous electricity supplier.

  • The agreement between Kaplan and LEPA will take effect on June 1, 2026.
  • Kaplan's city council voted to become a Full Requirements Member of LEPA at its February 2026 meeting.
  • The LEPA Board of Directors approved Kaplan's membership at their Feb. 19, 2026 meeting.

The players

Louisiana Energy and Power Authority (LEPA)

A joint-action agency created by the State Legislature in 1979 to provide stable and affordable electricity to its member municipalities in Louisiana.

Mike Kloesel

Mayor of Kaplan, Louisiana.

Kevin Bihm

General Manager of LEPA.

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What they’re saying

“I am truly honored to be part of such a respected organization and to work alongside all of you in our shared commitment to providing reliable, affordable electric service to the citizens we proudly serve.”

— Mike Kloesel, Mayor of Kaplan

“With the addition of the City of Kaplan, LEPA is now providing wholesale power to 15 Louisiana municipalities, the most LEPA have served in its history. This is a responsibility we take very seriously, and the addition of Kaplan further meets our mission to provide stable electricity at the lowest possible cost to our member municipalities.”

— Kevin Bihm, General Manager of LEPA

What’s next

The agreement between Kaplan and LEPA will take effect on June 1, 2026, at which point LEPA will begin providing wholesale electricity to the city.

The takeaway

Kaplan's decision to become a Full Requirements Member of LEPA demonstrates the value that joint-action agencies can provide to municipalities in securing reliable and affordable electricity. This partnership will help ensure Kaplan's residents have access to stable power at competitive rates.