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News Release > Entergy’s Louisiana utilities prepare for potential tropical system
Entergy’s Louisiana utilities prepare for potential tropical system
09/08/2024
Companies encourage customers to make a kit, have a plan in place and prepare for potential impacts
NEW ORLEANS – Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana employees and contractors are closely monitoring the progress of Potential Tropical Cyclone 6 in the lower Gulf of Mexico and are preparing for the potential development of a tropical system that could impact South Louisiana midweek.
Entergy’s Louisiana storm team is prepared to work long hours after the storm passes, restoring service to customers as quickly and safely as possible. The company has materials and supplies on hand and is prepared to adjust staffing and resources based upon the forecast and where they are most needed.
While Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana conduct year-round reliability work to maintain and improve the electric system—including trimming trees and limbs away from power lines and other critical equipment—there is ongoing concern about the impact of last year’s drought and other environmental factors on vegetation. This is being addressed in the companies’ preparations.
With just a few days remaining before the system is expected to impact the coast, Entergy’s Louisiana utilities are urging customers to prepare for the possibility of power outages. Now is the time to finalize personal storm plans and assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies.
Customers should include in their emergency preparedness kits items such as flashlights, a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, spare batteries, canned food with a can opener, fresh water for several days, and a first-aid kit. For more information on how to make an emergency kit and important severe weather safety tips, visit the Entergy Storm Center.
“We are urging our customers to take the potential of severe weather seriously and stay prepared,” said Steven Benyard, vice president of reliability for Entergy in Louisiana. “Now is not the time to let your guard down—please take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family and your home.”
He added, “Rest assured, our crews and contractors will be ready to respond if needed, working tirelessly to restore power and provide support in the aftermath of any storm.”
Staying informed
Staying informed before, during and after a tropical system strikes is just as important as making personal storm plans. Here’s how you can stay up to date on our preparations and restoration efforts:
- Download the Entergy app. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
- Check Entergy’s View Outages Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
- Social media also plays an important role in keeping you informed, and we place a high priority on updating our social media channels throughout an event. Follow Entergy’s Louisiana utilities on Facebook and X:
- Text us: If you are signed up to receive our notifications, you can text OUT to 36778 to report an outage or STAT for the status of your power outage. To sign up for text messaging, go to myEntergy.com or by texting REG to 36778. Have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code).
- Visit the Entergy Storm Center The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
- Download the Operation: Storm Ready Guide. This guide will help you plan and prepare for weather emergencies. Information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.
The restoration process
Entergy’s Louisiana utilities will begin restoring power to customers as safely and quickly as possible after the storm passes. The restoration process is done in an orderly, deliberate manner.
Right after the storm passes, and when it’s safe to do so, crews assess damage to electric equipment and facilities to determine what corrective actions and repairs are needed. As damage assessments are completed, the company can provide restoration time estimates; however, where possible, restoration happens in parallel. Power is restored faster in areas with less damage, while restoration times in the hardest hit areas depend on the extent of damage to Entergy’s electrical facilities.
Following the storm, check Entergy’s View Outages map for the latest information about restoration progress.
About Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana, LLC 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, Louisiana.
About Entergy New Orleans
Entergy New Orleans, LLC is an electric and gas utility that serves Louisiana’s Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 209,000 customers and natural gas to more than 110,000 customers.
Both companies are subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through 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.
