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# Lake Charles Approves Gas Agreement That Could Last Until 2086
- URL: https://www.thecalcasieupost.com/lake-charles-approves-gas-agreement-that-could-last-until-2086/
- Published: 2026-11-11T19:56:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-11T19:58:44.000Z
- Author: The Calcasieu Post

LAKE CHARLES, La. — A child born in Lake Charles today could be approaching 60 years old before a natural gas agreement approved by the City Council finally expires.

On August 19, council members voted unanimously to renew a franchise agreement with Delta South Louisiana Gas Company LLC, allowing the company to use city streets, sidewalks and other public property for its natural gas infrastructure.

The agreement begins October 1, 2026, with an initial 30-year term. But it also provides for automatic five-year renewals unless either party gives at least one year’s notice. Under those provisions, the agreement could remain in effect until 2086.

In exchange, Delta South must pay Lake Charles 4% of its gross revenue from residential and commercial natural gas sales within city limits. Those payments also satisfy the company’s municipal occupational-license tax obligation, although certain other taxes and utility charges remain applicable.

The agreement also establishes financial responsibilities when gas pipelines must be relocated for public construction projects. While the company is responsible for certain relocation expenses, the city must cover specified costs associated with federally funded projects, subject to funding limitations.

Another provision allows Lake Charles to adopt a higher franchise percentage if Delta South agrees to more favorable terms with another municipality providing substantially similar service. Louisiana law permits municipal utility franchises lasting up to 60 years. But the ordinance leaves an important financial comparison unanswered.

It does not establish how much Lake Charles collected under its previous agreement or whether the new 4% rate represents an increase. The council approved the ordinance 7–0, although the company’s required written acceptance has not been independently verified.

**For an agreement that could extend across six decades, the terms will influence how Lake Charles collects utility revenue and manages public infrastructure long after today’s elected officials leave office.**