Entergy Texas Completes Millbend Substation And Transmission Project, Providing Nearly 100 MW For East Montgomery County

As communities grow, their energy needs grow too. The new Millbend substation and transmission line project in East Montgomery County was designed to meet that demand, providing reliable electricity for families and businesses in one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Entergy Texas celebrated the project’s completion on January 7, with community leaders, local partners, and Entergy employees gathering to mark this major milestone. The Millbend substation is part of Entergy Texas’ Southeast Texas Energy Plan, also known as STEP Ahead, which focuses on proactive investments to support customers, strengthen reliability, and help communities thrive. Once fully operational, the substation will have the capacity to serve nearly 100 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power new homes, schools, and businesses for decades.

Mark Linabury, President of the East Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, praised the project, saying, “Usually, the conversation around infrastructure is ‘why are we always playing catch up?’ I am so proud to see Entergy’s proactive approach. They’re making sure there’s enough power for our area as more business is coming.” Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough added, “This project is about the security of the people of this community. Entergy’s commitment to excellence and communication throughout the progress of this project was second to none.”

Growth along the I-69 corridor has accelerated in recent years, with new neighborhoods and commercial developments reshaping the area. Entergy Texas began planning the Millbend project several years ago with a clear goal: strengthen the electric system ahead of demand. The project adds a critical hub for electricity flow, reduces strain on existing lines, and helps limit the number of customers affected during outages. Modern equipment at the substation can automatically redirect power if issues arise, shortening outage times during extreme weather and heat events, thereby enhancing system resilience.

Stuart Barrett, Vice President of Customer Service for Entergy Texas, emphasized, “Projects like Millbend are about building a stronger, smarter system that can better withstand severe storms and high-wind events, which frequently impact our region. By modernizing our infrastructure now, we’re helping businesses stay open, keeping families safe during storms, and helping our communities recover more quickly when severe weather occurs.”

From early planning through construction, Entergy Texas collaborated closely with local leaders, landowners, and community members to ensure that the project met the community’s needs. After nearly five years of planning and execution, the Millbend project represents a shared investment in East Montgomery County’s future. Its completion not only strengthens the local electric system but also ensures reliable power for decades, supporting continued growth and delivering lasting value to the region’s residents and businesses.