Entergy New Orleans linemen in a utility bucket truck. (Courtesy: Entergy New Orleans)
Entergy is touting the success of a grid modernisation and reliability task force that significantly improved power grid reliability in the utility’s New Orleans service territory.
Entergy claims reliability improved by 24% from 2019 to 2023 due to $150 million of investments. The effort was part of an 8-year plan to bolster reliability in Louisiana, which was hit by four hurricanes between 2020 and 2021.
Reliability improvements were measured by the frequency and duration of power interruptions experienced by the average customer.
“As we implement these critical upgrades to our power delivery system, we are not just enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our current infrastructure, but also laying the foundation for future growth and innovation,” Entergy Louisiana CEO Deanna Rodriguez said.
Entergy said it is repairing and replacing power lines while laying the groundwork for full automation through the installation of smart grids that detect and isolate faults on the grid. The technology not only mitigates the impact of outages but also speeds up the recovery process after service interruptions.
In January 2024, Entergy New Orleans began deployment on a capital plan focused on hardening the transmission and distribution delivery system and improving the reliability of service.
“Operation Gridiron” is a $1 billion investment plan developed in response to a request from Entergy New Orleans’ regulator, the city council, following Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The plan aimed to reduce outage times by more than half, upgrade thousands of utility poles to withstand 150 mph winds, and harden 650 miles of power lines.
Originally published by John Engel on Power Grid International.
