Entergy New Orleans has commenced a grid-hardening project in the Leonidas area of New Orleans, Louisiana, aimed at strengthening the local electricity distribution network and improving reliability for more than 1,900 customers.
The project will replace approximately 94 distribution poles and harden around 1.6 miles of the distribution network. Entergy New Orleans will also implement targeted vegetation management to trim trees and foliage that could interfere with power lines and service.
The project is being supported by a US$2.05 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through its grid resilience funding program. Entergy New Orleans said the investment is expected to help reduce the frequency and duration of power outages while improving the network’s ability to withstand severe weather events.
Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans, said the federal grant would help offset the cost of major infrastructure investments while supporting efforts to strengthen the local grid and improve community safety.
Katie Jereza, Assistant Secretary for the DOE’s Office of Electricity, said the project will upgrade distribution infrastructure to meet current wind standards and reduce risks associated with vegetation. According to the DOE, the project is projected to avoid approximately US$7.4 million in outage-related and restoration costs over 50 years.
The Entergy New Orleans project is one of 13 initiatives across Louisiana selected by the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to receive grid resilience grants funded by the DOE. The projects cover areas including grid modernization and vegetation management.
Dustin Davidson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy, said strengthening the state’s power grid remains a priority due to its exposure to tropical systems, high winds, flooding and extreme temperatures.
The latest initiative forms part of Entergy New Orleans’ broader grid-hardening program, which includes infrastructure upgrades across districts throughout the city. The company said the ongoing program is focused on improving grid resilience and supporting safe and reliable electricity service for customers.
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