Entergy New Orleans partners with city for first installation of public EV chargers

A partnership between Entergy New Orleans and the City of New Orleans yielded a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Program and the first subsequent, free charger station for public use in the area.

The first deployment went live at Pontchartrain Park in the city, but in the end, it will be one of 30 situated at 25 locations. All will be freely usable and focused on community areas such as NORD facilities, libraries and public parks.

“The launch of EV charging stations demonstrates how partnerships between city government and our local energy utility provider, Entergy New Orleans, can come together to create resilient and more efficient transportation opportunities for our residents,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. “Climate change is a real threat to us, and the City of New Orleans is ahead of the curve and will continue to focus on reducing our carbon footprint. We are positioned to be one of the most resilient cities in our nation as we continue making critical infrastructure investments and improvements wisely, efficiently and innovatively to ensure that we are able to live here for years to come.”

The new partnership program resulted from a 2018 rate case, wherein the New Orleans City Council approved development of a public charging initiative. Beginning in 2023, Entergy itself also will begin to purchase all-electric passenger vehicles and the necessary equipment for its fleet.

“Close collaboration with Mayor Cantrell and the New Orleans City Council on projects such as the installation of EV charging stations will help move the city forward as we accelerate our commitments to a clean energy future,” Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, said. “Entergy New Orleans is eager to continue investing in additional clean-energy infrastructure.”

The company also noted that by 2031, 80 percent of its aerial inspection drones should be powered by electricity. Further, it has launched an E-Tech program for customers, providing incentives for the purchase of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.