Louisiana HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

Understanding Louisiana HVAC regulatory oversight is essential for contractors, businesses, and homeowners navigating the Pelican State's energy landscape. Louisiana has comprehensive statewide licensing requirements for mechanical contractors administered by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Louisiana HVAC regulations heading into 2026.

The regulatory oversight framework in Louisiana requires licensing for HVAC work (mechanical work) exceeding $10,000 in value. Whether you're an HVAC contractor seeking to understand licensing requirements or a business evaluating Louisiana's energy market, understanding these regulatory structures is critical for success.

Louisiana Public Service Commission: Primary Regulatory Oversight

The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) serves as the primary regulatory body for Louisiana's utilities. Established by Article IV, Section 21 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, the LPSC is a constitutionally established regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest.

The LPSC consists of five elected commissioners who serve overlapping six-year terms from single-member districts. The Commission regulates rates and services for investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and certain telecommunications utilities. The LPSC also regulates electric member-owned cooperatives and common carrier transportation.

Note: The LPSC does not regulate municipally owned utilities or retail electric service within New Orleans city limits (regulated by New Orleans City Council).

Agency: Louisiana Public Service Commission
Address: 602 North Fifth Street, Galvez Building, 12th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
P.O. Box: P.O. Box 91154, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9154
Phone: (225) 342-4999
Website: https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/

Louisiana HVAC Licensing Requirements for 2026

Louisiana requires statewide licensing for mechanical (HVAC) contractors. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) issues all contractor licenses. A commercial license is required for mechanical work exceeding $10,000 (including labor and materials).

Louisiana HVAC License Types

Mechanical Work Contractor License (Statewide): Allows contractors to bid, contract, and perform any kind of mechanical work without limit anywhere throughout the state. Exempt from local licensing exams (though local license must still be obtained as required). Covers hydraulic and pneumatic systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas piping, process piping, mechanical equipment, and marine vessels.

Sublicense Categories:

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Duct Work and Refrigeration: Specialized sublicense for HVAC-R work.
Industrial Pipe Work and Insulation: For industrial mechanical work.
Controls for Mechanical Work: For control systems installation.

License Classifications:
Commercial License: Required for commercial projects over $50,000 or mechanical projects over $10,000
Residential License: For residential work $7,500-$75,000
Home Improvement: For residential projects $7,500-$75,000

Louisiana HVAC License Requirements

Age: Must be at least 18 years old
Identification: Valid Social Security number or taxpayer ID
Experience: Complete formal apprenticeship from union/trade school OR two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC
Financial: Provide financial statement showing minimum $10,000 net worth (current within 12 months)
Qualifying Party: Designate a legal representative for your business

Louisiana HVAC Examination Requirements

Applicants must pass two exams:

Trade Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, closed-book, 4 hours. Covers five sections. Can take exam for all specialties or specific sublicense. Fee: $120. Administered by PSI Services LLC (effective August 2025).

Business and Law Exam: 80 multiple-choice questions, open-book, 70% passing score. Available online or at testing centers. Fee: $120. Covers contracts, labor law, accounting, Louisiana regulations.

Insurance and Bonding

General Liability Insurance: Minimum $100,000 required
Workers' Compensation: Required for employees
Surety Bond: $5,000 may be required
Out-of-State Fee: $400 additional fee for out-of-state companies

Renewal and Continuing Education

Licenses expire December 31 annually and must be renewed before expiration (30 days prior recommended). There are currently no continuing education requirements for mechanical contractor licenses in Louisiana.

Reciprocity Agreements

Louisiana has limited reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Utah. If an individual holds a license in another state that required a trade exam, Louisiana will accept that exam for reciprocity for an equivalent classification. Contact LSLBC for specific reciprocity details.

Directory of Louisiana Electric Companies

Louisiana Investor-Owned Utilities

Entergy Louisiana serves more than 1 million electric customers and 93,000 natural gas customers. Cleco Power serves approximately 290,000 retail customers in 24 parishes.

Louisiana Electric Cooperatives

Louisiana has 12 rural electric cooperatives serving approximately 900,000 customers in 50 of the state's 64 parishes, covering about 75% of Louisiana's land area.

Louisiana Municipal Utilities