Beauregard Electric Announces Leave For GM, Interim GM Named

A few months back, customers of Beauregard Electric were very angry with the rise in their electric bills. It was said they could do nothing about it. It looks like with the pressure on the board members, the board has voted to place the current GM on administrative leave.

Here is the letter that was sent out regarding bills to start the year.

BECi has received notice from its power supplier, Cleco-Cajun, that our January 2024 power cost will significantly increase. We realize the timing is very unfortunate and we are working to mitigate the fees that will directly impact our members, but we felt we needed to inform you before you receive your January electric bill. The full letter below will be mailed to each member next week explaining the charges. Please know that we are doing everything we can to keep you informed.

Customers were very upset with the increase in the fuel charge that would eventually result in their bills nearly doubling in some cases. This put a lot of pressure on the board members.

The Beauregard Electric Cooperative's board of directors has voted to place general manager Brian Zelenak on a 45-day paid administrative leave, after which they permitted him to adjourn the meeting.

On Thursday, Beauregard Electric released a statement confirming this. Here's what it read...

At the April BECi Board of Directors meeting, the Board voted to place General Manager Brian Zelenak on paid administrative leave for 45 days to address concerns.The Board also retained former General Manager Kevin Turner as the Interim General Manager during this time.

With the transition, there will be no interruption in BECi's services and we will continue to serve and support our members.

Turner served as General Manager for 14 years after retiring in September 2023.