Entergy stresses hurricane preparation, safety as empowered storm season approaches

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana reminded customers last week that hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and while enhancements to the grid – including hardened infrastructure – are ongoing, they warned that personal preparation needs to be, too.

The companies inspect their lines year-round and undertake regular vegetation management. Trees and other vegetation tend to be common causes of power outages, so the companies utilize satellite imagery and computer modeling to predict areas most in need of trimming and snip those nearest power lines. Over the past few years, they have spent tens of millions investing in new substations, transmission upgrades, and distribution circuits.

“The intensity and frequency of storms appear to be increasing, making it even more important to prepare well ahead of a tropical system threatening our area,” John Hawkins, vice president of reliability for Entergy in Louisiana, said. “At Entergy, we’re focused on making sure that we can restore power as safely and as quickly as possible if severe weather does impact our area, and we’re urging customers to prepare and have plans in place as well.”

Storms have been gathering strength in the region for years, and they are occurring more and more frequently as climate change continues. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, this year will bring above-average hurricane activity for the seventh year running. The companies have prepared, trained, and actively monitored storms to deploy responses as necessary.

“Safety is one of our core values, and we encourage you to make it your top priority, too,” Hawkins said. “Take the time now to get your personal storm plans in place and make a kit with the basic supplies needed in an emergency. You can learn how to make an emergency kit and get important severe weather safety tips on the Entergy Storm Center.”

The companies – which provide electric services to more than 1.2 million people and natural gas to more than 200,000 people combined throughout Louisiana – and their parent corporation also have provided an annual $250,000 in support to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program in anticipation of disaster. These funds help responders to move quicker.