Powering Louisiana’s Future: Collective Power — Kevin Bihm on LEPA and the Municipal Power Model

Episode 2 – Powering Louisiana’s Future

Powering Louisiana’s Future: Collective Power — Kevin Bihm on LEPA and the Municipal Power Model

Kevin Bihm, General Manager of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority, joins FUELED to discuss municipal power, local control, affordability, MISO, long-term energy planning, and Louisiana’s power future.

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Episode Summary

In Episode 2 of FUELED Season 6, Kevin Bihm, General Manager of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority, joins Kathryn Fenstermaker for a conversation about municipal power, collective strategy, and the evolving energy landscape in Louisiana.

LEPA was created in 1979 as a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana to give qualifying municipalities another path for securing wholesale power. For smaller cities that owned their electric distribution systems, the model created an opportunity to work together, strengthen local control, and pursue more affordable electricity options through a shared structure.

Bihm explains how LEPA differs from investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives, describing a model rooted in public accountability, member governance, and collaboration. LEPA’s members help guide the organization through board representation, budget approval, and shared decision-making, creating what Bihm describes as a cohesive group working toward the same goal: reliable, affordable power for their communities.

The conversation explores the practical realities of managing wholesale power in a changing market. Bihm discusses LEPA’s transition into MISO, the role of The Energy Authority as a market participant, and the importance of adapting as the industry moves from real-time balancing to broader regional coordination. He also explains how industrial growth, data centers, changing capacity markets, and new technologies are shaping long-term planning for municipal power systems.

Throughout the episode, Bihm returns to the value of collective action. From power-side prepay savings to mutual aid after storms, LEPA’s strength lies in helping communities access opportunities they may not be able to pursue alone. That same philosophy shows up in how LEPA supports its members through education, lineman training, resource planning, and future-looking conversations around generation, workforce, and technology.

At its heart, this episode is about more than electricity. It is about service, stewardship, and the belief that power systems work best when communities have a voice in their future.

“Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do good.”

“It is helping people and not expecting anything in return.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Kevin Bihm serves as General Manager of the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority, where he helps guide wholesale power strategy, long-term resource planning, and member support for municipalities across Louisiana.

With nearly three decades in public power, Bihm brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to service. An electrical engineer by background, he has worked across many areas of the power industry, including generation support, environmental permitting, system planning, budgeting, rate studies, and wholesale power operations.

Since becoming General Manager in 2019, Bihm has helped LEPA navigate growth, industry change, market evolution, and expanding member needs. Under his leadership, LEPA has continued to focus on affordability, collaboration, adaptability, and service to Louisiana communities.

“It’s the whole collaborative process, having more control over your future, and getting more opportunities as a group.”

“We are positioned for our kids and their kids to be able to stay home and get good jobs, good-paying jobs.”

Collective Power: Kevin Bihm on LEPA, Municipal Power, and Louisiana’s Energy Future

In this episode of FUELED, Kevin Bihm explains how the municipal power model gives Louisiana communities a way to work together while maintaining local control. From LEPA’s origins in 1979 to its role today as a wholesale electricity provider, Bihm offers a clear look at how municipalities collaborate to pursue reliable, affordable power. The conversation explores LEPA’s public structure, its relationship with member cities, the importance of adapting to MISO and changing energy markets, and the long-term planning required to prepare for future demand. Bihm also discusses workforce challenges, generation strategy, mutual aid, emerging technologies, and what gives him confidence in the future of Louisiana’s power landscape.

“We’re always, as a group, looking for ways to lower costs.”

“We bring power to the people because they have a say in their future.”

Episode Highlights

Why LEPA was created and how Louisiana’s municipal power model gives communities the ability to work together while maintaining local control.
How municipal power works, including the differences between public power, investor-owned utilities, and electric cooperatives.
The value of collaboration, from affordability and shared purchasing power to financing strategies that help member communities reduce costs.
Supporting member cities, through education, onboarding, operational guidance, and mutual aid when storms impact local electric systems.
Operating in today’s energy markets, including LEPA’s transition into MISO and its partnership with The Energy Authority.
Planning for long-term demand, as industrial growth, data centers, and changing energy needs reshape Louisiana’s electric landscape.
Evaluating tomorrow’s generation mix, including natural gas, solar, RICE units, small modular reactors, and other emerging resources.
Balancing legacy infrastructure with future needs, while using integrated resource planning to prepare for the next two decades.
Meeting the workforce challenge, and how LEPA continues adapting to better serve its member communities.
Leadership and purpose, as Kevin Bihm reflects on Louisiana’s future, serving others, and what continues to fuel his work.

“This IRP is going to be very telling on the next 20 years of LEPA.”

“We want low cost. Our members want low cost. Their customers want low cost.”

More from FUELED

Conversations across seasons—on infrastructure, leadership, and public impact.

Season 5: Leading Louisiana – Concrete & Character

Season 4: EWeek ’24

Season 3: Louisiana Watershed Initiative

Season 2: Seeking CHF

Season 1: Infrastructure

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