Throw a tarp on it

RIP Turbine 5.

Regardless of the cause, it's unlikely that the more than half-century-old Turbine 5 will ever be brought back into service, Executive Director Ghassan Korban told the S&WB's board of directors Wednesday.

The announcement marks one of the first concrete steps in what could be a radical shift for the utility, a move away from spending millions to keep its own archaic power system limping along — including extensive repairs to Turbine 5 just two years ago — and toward a greater reliance on power from Entergy New Orleans.

The story also points out that a third party investigation into the cause of the explosion hasn't happened yet and SWB itself has not complied with requests for information about its internal findings.  We are meant to infer here that moving away from in-house power production is a cost saving measure. But given so little information it is difficult for the public to make an informed determination about that.

Meanwhile McBride points out today that SWB approved a pay raise for Director Korban bringing his salary up to $288,000. He also points out that the agency has reinstated its annual awards banquet whicb a previous legislative auditor's report has raised legal questions about. All of this raises doubts about the board's fiscal concerns over the turbine. 

We should point out also that mayor Cantrell has repeatedly advocated for higher Entergy rates in exchange for one or another deal she seems to be negotiating on behalf of SWB. Could that also be related to the decision described to us today? It's a pretty good bet.