Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Louisiana seeking FEMA funding for infrastructure projects

Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans are requesting funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the resiliency of the electric grid.

In conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the companies have submitted eight applications through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program.

The money would be for various projects, including flood protection for several substations in south Louisiana, hardening transmission facilities in and around Houma, La., and upgrading distribution facilities in New Orleans and Lower Plaquemines Parish to withstand higher wind speeds.

The total costs of the projects are estimated to be around $450 million.

“Entergy New Orleans is committed to making proactive investments to build a more resilient grid to ensure our communities are better protected from the impacts of stronger, more intense storms that may disrupt power,” Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, said. “Building electrical infrastructure strong enough to withstand the increased intensity and frequency of storms is an important decision that must balance affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability.”

FEMA is expected to announce the preliminary awards by this summer.

“Entergy Louisiana will continue to focus our investments on building a more resilient grid,” Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana, said. “As we do, we will work with local, state, and Federal entities to seek out funding opportunities that will ease the burden of these costs from falling on our customers.”