Entergy New Orleans works with city on Generator Readiness Project

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, working with Entergy New Orleans, announced the completion of the city’s Generator Readiness Project, an initiative designed to help the city keep the power going as hurricane season approaches.

The Generator Readiness Project expands the list of city-owned properties that may be activated with temporary backup generation during potential power outage events and post-emergency response efforts. This includes emergency resource centers, post-disaster sheltering for displaced residents, and other essential service operations.

“We have been learning many lessons from being on the frontlines of climate change as it relates to hurricane preparedness,” Cantrell said. “With that, we partnered even more with Entergy and created this program so that now, we have 15 recreation centers throughout the city, as well as our Convention Center that served us in the aftermath of Ida, whether it was for post-storm evacuation or tending to our residents that were in dire need under the conditions we had to face. The City of New Orleans is prepared, we are resilient, and we always learn lessons as it relates to being prepared for hurricane season.”

Cantrell made the announcement at the Sanchez Multi-Purpose Center with several leaders on hand, including Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans.

“This project is an important part of building a safe and resilient city,” Rodriguez said. “We have worked with City leaders and our community partners to ensure that we are taking every step to prepare New Orleans for major storms, and the 16 generator-ready sites will serve as an important resource for the Metro area during extended grid outages following a storm, offering citizens places to go to receive supplies, charge devices, and shelter from the elements.”

Entergy New Orleans worked with the city to equip 15 critical community sites with manual transfer switches to enable quick hookup of temporary generators and natural gas facilities to provide fuel for the generators after a storm. The list of sites includes New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) locations, public libraries, community facilities, and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

“Today’s ribbon cutting and completion of the Citywide Emergency Generator Readiness Project conveys the City’s progress and commitment to investing in the long-term strength and resiliency of our communities,” NORD CEO Larry Barabino, Jr., said. “NORD exists to provide safe and welcoming environments for all residents. Expanding the list of city-owned properties that will house emergency generators, now including NORD’s Sanchez Multi-Service Center, ensures we continue to stand on this mission, especially when our residents need it most.”

The project costs approximately $900,000, collected through Entergy New Orleans’ electric and gas rates. City residents are encouraged to text NOLAREADY to 77925 to receive emergency text alerts from the city and to follow on social media at @nolaready.