Gas station generator switch bill advances
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A House committee approved Monday legislation that would require new or renovated gas stations in the southern half of the state to install transfer switches for generators.
The required transfer switch is needed to operate an alternate generated power source capable of operating all fuel pumps, dispensing equipment, safety systems such as sprinklers and alarms, and payment-acceptance equipment.
House Bill 278, sponsored by state Rep. Tony Ligi, R-Kenner, would apply to new or substantially renovated gas stations in 35 parishes.
Jefferson Parish, for example, was out of power for five days after Hurricane Gustav blew through last year, Ligi said.
There was gas in the ground but stations were out of power and couldn’t get it through the pumps, Ligi said. So people who were relying on generators and cars had no way to fuel them, he said.
“It aids in the recovery process,” Ligi said of his bill.
The transfer switches cost about $5,000 to buy and install, said Deano Bonano, Jefferson Parish deputy chief administrative assistant for emergency services.
Ligi said he is not requiring store owners to buy generators because they are expensive to buy and require regular maintenance. Gas station owners can lease generators during hurricane season, he said.
Ligi has filed another bill to provide tax credits to existing gas stations and retailers that install the transfer switch.
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