News Release > Entergy Arkansas prepared for solar eclipse

Entergy Arkansas prepared for solar eclipse

02/29/2024

Path of totality across the state will not affect power capacity

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A large part of Arkansas will go dark Monday, April 8, but it won’t be because the lights go out.

A once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse will take place over Arkansas in the early afternoon, and Entergy Arkansas is encouraging customers to be prepared.

The path of the eclipse across the state will cover large stretches of Interstates 30 and 40 along with miles of state highways, county roads and city streets. Nearly two-thirds of the state is inside the path of totality for the eclipse. The centerline of the eclipse will enter the state around 12:29 p.m. and exit the state at approximately 3:14 p.m. Several locations throughout the state will experience total darkness for anywhere from 1-4 minutes.

Entergy Arkansas is working with officials from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, Arkansas Department of Transportation and other state and city leaders on a preparedness plan that includes preparing for heavy traffic, monitoring the weather and mobilizing workers and equipment throughout our service area to quickly and safely respond if issues arise. While widespread power outages are not expected, Entergy Arkansas stands ready to restore power if needed.

Visitors and traffic concerns

The massive influx of visitors expected in the state will cause challenges with transportation and traffic management that will likely impact Arkansans during the solar eclipse. Additionally, the possibility for severe spring weather, potential fuel shortages and other emergency events is being considered by state leaders.

With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected throughout the natural state during the eclipse, heavy traffic could make it hard to travel, especially immediately after the eclipse has passed. Arkansas transportation officials say residents and visitors alike should be patient and expect traffic jams.

“Increased traffic in a given area can cause concern for accident-related outages,” said Adam Effrein, Entergy Arkansas vice president of reliability. “If a vehicle hits a power pole, it can knock out power to the area until repairs can be made. In addition, cars parked to watch the eclipse could block crucial entrances to substations and electrical equipment that could hamper response times, should a power outage occur.”

Entergy Arkansas is planning for the solar eclipse in much the same way we do for storm situations, with reminders for customers to be sure their contact information is updated in our system, so any outages or unforeseen circumstances can be properly communicated to customers.

Entergy Arkansas recommends customers consider taking the following preparation steps before the solar eclipse:

• Stock up on groceries, medicine, and other daily necessities. Since travel, even locally, will be challenging during the eclipse, get what you need to be able to stay home for those few days if possible.
• Fill up vehicles with gasoline ahead of time. Don’t wait until visitors arrive in the state to purchase fuel when lines may be long and prices could be higher.
• Reschedule errands or appointments. If you can avoid being out and about during the time of the eclipse, stay home. Fewer people on the roads means less possibility of accidents and/or traffic delays.
• Expect heavy traffic and delays. If you must travel for work, school, etc., prepare for longer travel times. Use alternate traffic routes, if available.
• Use special eclipse glasses to safely view the sun. According to the American Astronomical Society, staring directly into the sun during even partial solar eclipses can cause permanent eye damage.

Customer safety

Entergy Arkansas has partnered with the Arkansas STEM coalition to provide Eclipse glasses for all k-12 public school students, as well as teachers and staff members.

Experts say the only safe way to look directly at the sun is through special-purpose solar filters, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning eclipse watchers to use caution when watching the solar eclipse. Appropriate solar filters can be found in specially made eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers.

Power capacity

When the moon passes in front of the sun during the April 8 eclipse, there will obviously be less solar power generated. Because Entergy Arkansas has a diverse mix of generating resources, the eclipse is not expected to have a major impact on electricity delivery.

Solar energy accounts for about 1.9% of power capacity for Entergy Arkansas, and while we don’t know the exact amount of solar power generation that will be impacted during the short time the total eclipse occurs, other generation sources like natural gas, hydropower and nuclear will offset any dip in solar power generation.

Customers should note that the darkness during the eclipse most likely will trigger sensors on automatic street lighting or other safety lighting to turn on. Entergy Arkansas will not disable such lighting for the eclipse.

“Planning for power generation during the solar eclipse is very similar to situations where we have thunderstorms or extended cloud cover in the area,” said Effrein. “We’re well positioned with a diverse portfolio of power generation sources, and we don’t believe there will be any impact on customers’ electric service during this time.”

Weather forecast

Spring weather can bring severe storms to the area. While meteorologists will be closely watching the weather and making predictions for April 8, no one can say with certainty what kind of weather a specific location will experience on eclipse day.

Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to remain weather aware during this time and to be prepared in case severe weather strikes during the time of the eclipse.

To be ready before a storm threatens, customers are encouraged to put together a kit that includes emergency supplies and items like important personal documents and contacts, flashlights and cell phone chargers. Additional suggestions on what to include in a kit can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/plankit.

Also, it is important to know how to remain safe before, during and after a storm. Customers are encouraged to monitor news reports and be aware of any evacuation directions from local authorities. If a storm does impact the area, please remember to use generators safely and avoid downed power lines, as well as utility crews and their worksites. Additional safety tips can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/safety.

There are several ways customers can stay connected with Entergy throughout a storm event, including by signing up for text message alerts, downloading the free Entergy mobile app and monitoring the company’s View Outage map, Storm Center and social media channels. Additional information on these tools can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/stayinformed.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.