10/27/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/27/2021 08:26
Insights > Building a More Resilient Energy Grid for All
10/27/2021
The last two hurricane seasons are memorable for the number and intensity of the storms they produced. Louisiana was hit hard with four hurricanes, including two devastating Category 4 storms, making landfall within one year. The two storms, Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida, were tied for the strongest storms to hit in over 160 years.
Building electrical infrastructure strong enough to withstand the increased intensity and frequency of storms is an important decision that must include input from customers, regulators and government policymakers.
Decisions must balance reliability, affordability and sustainability.
While discussing potential improvements, it makes sense to look at previous investments that worked well.
With Hurricane Ida mostly behind us, a sober analysis shows the newer structures that meet higher standards held up extremely well to one of the most intense hurricanes ever to strike Louisiana.
Constructing stronger poles, towers and power plants are not small investments, and there must be balance between affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability. Entergy is proud to operate one of the cleanest large-scale power generating fleets in the nation, while having some of the lowest residential rates among investor-owned utilities.
In Louisiana, how these infrastructure investments are funded takes on added significance considering that a large portion of the country's energy supply comes through Louisiana's ports, pipelines and roads. More importantly, nearly one out of every five Louisianans live in poverty.
Well-intentioned advocates, as well as groups with their own agendas, have argued that more investment is needed. We agree. However, these conversations cannot be condensed to catchy sound bites. This must be a serious dialogue focused on real projects and who pays for them.
Entergy has already engaged federal agencies seeking funding to support the energy infrastructure and the associated national security needs of the entire country. We hope those interested in joining the conversation will come with meaningful input that balances the need to build a more resilient grid while not overwhelming the household budgets of our customers.