Entergy Louisiana starts work on new $100M transmission project

Entergy Louisiana started work recently on a $100 million transmission project in southwest Louisiana.

The Mud Lake to Big Lake transmission seeks to build resilience and increase the reliability of its electric grid and increase the capacity to help attract new economic development projects in the area.

The project spans from an existing substation west of Mud Lake near the Calcasieu and Cameron parish line to a new substation being built near Tank Farm and Big Lake roads in Lake Charles.

The project will be done in phases, with completion estimated for next summer. The project’s major components include the construction of nearly 15 miles of (230kV and 69kV) transmission lines; a new substation, Big Lake substation; upgrades at three existing substations; and installation of approximately 150 poles or structures.

Portions of the new transmission line will be built to withstand winds up to 140 and 150 mph, with a crossing at Calcasieu River and Intracoastal Waterway being built to withstand winds of up to 175 mph.

“The Mud Lake to Big Lake transmission project is another example of Entergy Louisiana taking steps to build not only a more resilient power grid but also more resilient communities,” Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO, said. “Southwest Louisiana is continuing to come back stronger, and we’re proud to be an active participant in helping the area do just that by installing robust infrastructure that supports existing customers and increases electrical capacity that creates room for growth.”

Other recent transmission projects include the Lake Charles Transmission Project and Southwest Louisiana Transmission Upgrade.

Entergy Louisiana provides electric service to more than 1 million customers in 58 parishes and natural gas service to more than 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge.