The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has had billing issues since it changed its software under the Landrieu administration. As a result, Louisiana introduced new laws to tackle these persistent problems, but issues remain.

New Louisiana State Laws

Several new state laws aim to address SWBNO’s ongoing billing failures:

1. House Bill 965: Gives customers the option to pay a fixed monthly rate or month-to-month. The new law also creates an arbitration program consisting of two arbiters, one residential and one commercial. They determine your appropriate bill amount if there’s a dispute.
2. House Bill 525: Pushed by Rep. Matthew Willard eliminates estimated billing. The SWBNO can only bill for actual services rendered to custmers

These laws aim to protect residents from unjust disconnections.

New Orleans City Council’s Rules

The New Orleans City Council also implemented rules to improve SWBNO’s billing practices:

1. Enhanced Dispute Resolution Process: SWBNO claims it now offers a clearer, faster process for residents disputing incorrect bills, helping to resolve issues more efficiently.
2. Billing Updates: SWBNO must provide updates to the City Council on billing accuracy, disputes, and improvements made to the system.
3. Customer Advocate Office: The Council created this office specifically to assist residents with SWBNO billing issues, offering mediation and guidance in resolving conflicts.

These measures aim to add layers of oversight and ensure SWBNO becomes more accountable to its customers.

SWBNO’s Impact on Residents’ Credit Scores

Despite these reforms, SWBNO continues to report false data to credit bureaus, damaging residents’ credit scores. Even with known billing problems, SWBNO marks accounts as unpaid, harming residents’ financial stability. This misuse of government power impacts residents’ ability to secure loans, rent homes, and maintain good credit.

The consequences are severe: affected residents face credit denials, higher interest rates, and financial reputations tarnished through no fault of their own. SWBNO’s inaccurate credit reporting not only hurts individuals but also reflects poorly on city governance and oversight.

The Urgent Need for Action

Immediate intervention is necessary. SWBNO’s ongoing billing and reporting issues undermine public trust and harm the city’s most vulnerable residents. Legislative measures, City Council rules, and resident advocacy must combine to force SWBNO to improve its practices.

Related: SWB – A Managed Train Wreck

Residents should document all communications with SWBNO, use the enhanced dispute processes, and seek help from the Customer Advocate Office when needed. Local leaders must hold SWBNO accountable, ensuring that all laws and rules are followed rigorously.

To move forward, SWBNO must prioritize accurate billing, transparency, and fairness in treating residents. Continuous oversight and reforms are essential for rebuilding trust and protecting the financial well-being of New Orleans citizens.