Entergy New Orleans seeks approval for rate reduction plan

Entergy New Orleans is seeking approval for a new rate structure that would result in savings for customers.

The company submitted a plan with the New Orleans City Council to establish a uniform rate structure for all Orleans Parish customers. At the same time, the plan calls for improving reliability, modernizing the grid, and utilizing new technologies to give customers greater control over their energy costs.

The plan, if approved, would result in an overall $20 million decrease in rates. It would also bring Algiers customers’ rates in line with customers on the east bank of Orleans Parish. Algiers customers joined Entergy New Orleans in 2015.

“Entergy New Orleans takes very seriously the need to invest in utility service based on the priorities and expectations of both the council and customers and to provide that service at the lowest reasonable cost,” Charles Rice, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, said. “This rate proposal will allow us to do just that while also enabling us to become a more technologically advanced utility.”

The plan also proposes several new features for customers, including a prepay option, a fixed billing option, a green power option, community solar, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure offerings. Further, it seeks approval of funding sources for advanced metering, energy efficiency offerings, grid modernization projects, and rebuilding the gas infrastructure.

Entergy New Orleans notes that some customers may see an increase in their bills due in part to the aligning of Algiers rates with those in the rest of Orleans Parish.

“We know that many of our customers struggle to pay their utility bills, which is why Entergy New Orleans works hard to keep rates well below the national average,” Rice said. “Through this filing, we not only intend to decrease rates overall but also to help customers – regardless of their income levels – better manage their bills by providing innovative, tailored solutions to meet their daily needs.”

The company also applied for three utility-scale solar projects totaling 90 MW. Specifically, the projects include building a 20 MW solar plant in Orleans Parish, acquiring a 50 MW solar facility in Washington Parish, and procuring 20 MW of solar power from a project to be built in St. James Parish. Also, Entergy New Orleans is installing 5 MW of generation rooftop solar systems on commercial buildings.

Entergy New Orleans provides electricity to more than 200,000 customers and natural gas to more than 106,000 customers.