Admin – Entergy We power life. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:32:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cropped-FavIcon-32x32.png Admin – Entergy 32 32 Hurricane Beryl: An open letter to our customers /stormcenter/hurricane-beryl-open-letter-our-customers Thu, 18 Jul 2024 23:05:00 +0000 /hurricane-beryl-open-letter-our-customers We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as our dedicated teams worked tirelessly to restore power to the areas affected by Hurricane Beryl. Our employees know firsthand the hardships for customers caused by power outages, especially during the summer, and I want to personally express my gratitude for your unwavering support as we strived to bring power back to over 252,000 affected customers.

The impact of Hurricane Beryl was severe, with heavy rain, peak wind gusts up to 97 miles per hour, and even a tornado hitting the Entergy Texas service area, resulting in widespread debris and damage to our electrical system – mainly driven by fallen trees and vegetation. Thanks to the efforts of more than 2,500 restoration workers, we were able to make repairs and restore power to nearly all impacted customers just one week after Hurricane Beryl’s landfall. This included repairing more than the distance between Conroe and Austin in downed power lines.

In addition to our restoration efforts, we also donated for storm relief and actively promoted cooling centers across our service area to further support our communities during this challenging time.

Our commitment is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to our communities, even amidst extreme weather events. With storms impacting the Gulf Coast region more frequently and with greater intensity, we are making even more strategic investments to strengthen the Southeast Texas power grid. In June of this year, we filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas for approval of Phase I of our comprehensive Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan. Once approved, the plan will benefit customers by decreasing future storm restoration costs by approximately $129 million and reducing the duration of power outages following significant weather events like hurricanes by 4.5 billion minutes over the next fifty years. You can find more details about our plans to improve your service .

Thank you again for your continued trust and support.

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Hard work makes no news good news /stormcenter/hard-work-makes-no-news-good-news Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:49:00 +0000 /hard-work-makes-no-news-good-news There is an old adage that says: “no news is good news.” This came to mind as I thought about the recent winter weather we experienced in Southeast Texas. Entergy Texas customers saw record cold temperatures, heavy winds and winter precipitation. What Entergy Texas customers didn’t see was the need for temporary, rolling outages or the ask for customers to conserve energy. This was despite our customers reaching levels of electricity usage close to all-time highs. And while any power outage is without question undesired, no Entergy Texas customer suffered an outage longer than 24 hours.

In other words, as it relates to power in our 27-county service area, there wasn’t much to report in the way of widespread outages. And that’s what we want: minimal interruptions for our customers so it’s one less worry for them at a time when weather threatens. Our grid operator plays a major role in making that happen. While most of Texas lies in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Entergy Texas, along with a few other utilities in Southeast Texas, operates in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) power grid. We work alongside MISO to maintain a careful balance of electricity demand with available supply from resources located throughout MISO, which extends across a 15-state region in the midsection of the United States and the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Success in our business is when our customers never have to think about their power. Being taken for granted is the highest compliment we can possibly get. Making no news, however, takes a lot of work. It takes the coordination of thousands of people, in multiple locations, working in unison around the clock – all to help minimize the effects for the communities we proudly serve.

Our incident command team starts with working to forecast where best to place our resources, so they are closest to the customers most likely to see the most severe weather and corresponding outages. Our power delivery crews work before, during and after any storm – whether maintaining vegetation, securing the right equipment or contracting with additional personnel to be on standby ahead of time and throughout a restoration.

Our plant employees execute pre-designed plans to winterize their facilities to maintain operations throughout extreme cold weather, so power supply is not interrupted. Our resource management group works with our transmission staff to make sure power can be secured outside of our state and routed to our service area in Texas for back-up generation during peak demand, if necessary.

Our “war room” is established to keep all of these teams aligned, which is essential when it’s time for our communications staff to relay timely and helpful information to our customers. During an event, we also maintain close coordination and communication with MISO, our regulators, state officials, and emergency management personnel. And, in the very rare, worst-case scenario when rolling outages are necessary, our operations and customer service teams coordinate with local officials to implement prepared plans that make sure hospitals, police and fire stations, warming centers and other critical community infrastructure and facilities stay online.

Even years before a storm hits, the time and money our people responsibly invest in building a more resilient grid prevent many potential outages before they start and shorten the duration of those that do. Our weather today is more extreme than ever and sometimes, even our best planning and execution cannot compete with the strength and unpredictability of Mother Nature. But more times than not, Entergy Texas employees have weathered some of the most difficult conditions to keep our customers ON when they need it most.

I am very proud of the men and women of our company who worked through a holiday weekend and stayed focused on their critical jobs during extremely wintry conditions. Many were braving freezing temperatures outside, while keeping our customers warm and safe during truly life-threatening weather. You may not hear about the tremendous effort our people undertake throughout the year to prepare for such storms, and that’s okay. Because in this case, no news isn’t just good news– it’s great news.

Leer la versión en español aquí.

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Reflecting on 100 years in business, Entergy Mississippi is planning for another successful century /blog/reflecting-on-100-years-in-business-entergy-mississippi-planning-for-another-successful-century Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:00:00 +0000 /reflecting-on-100-years-in-business-entergy-mississippi-planning-for-another-successful-century One of the oldest power generation companies in America, Entergy Mississippi, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The organization began as The Mississippi Power & Light Company in 1923, with a handful of municipal electric systems. Today, it serves over 450,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 45 of Mississippi’s 82 counties.

The organization is passionate about supporting the communities in which it operates, whether through helping local charities or contributing to the regional energy economy. It balances the resiliency and reliability of the grid while keeping customers’ costs down and is working towards a more sustainable grid that can be accessed by all.

Entergy Mississippi is also juggling the demands of modern consumers as the world approaches global energy transition. With several technologies and renewable energy sources in constant discussion, Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi’s President and CEO, is tasked with managing, and meeting customers’ expectations.

Powering communities
Haley joins us to discuss the ever-changing market in Mississippi, the adoption of renewables, and the ways in which the company gives back to the communities in which it operates. “This year, we’re celebrating 100 years of doing business in Mississippi, which was the second of ϳԹ’s operating companies that were incorporated into the group,” he opens.

“Our Founder, Harvey Couch, established Arkansas Power and Light, which is now Entergy Arkansas, in 1913. Ten years later, he came across the river into Mississippi and chartered into what was then Mississippi Power & Light Company and is now Entergy Mississippi. After that charter in April 1923, Harvey started acquiring various municipalities and the corporation grew from there.

“When we think about electricity, it’s something that many of us take for granted; we don’t order it, we just wake up and it’s there, ready to be flicked on and used,” Haley continues. “However, back when we started, electricity was still somewhat a novelty. Not everyone had electricity, mainly because people couldn’t afford it, so it was limited to municipalities that could have a power plant and deployed lines.

“The birth of our company ran almost in parallel to the birth of the electricity industry itself,” he proposes. “Here we are 100 years later and for most of us, we couldn’t imagine life without power. We truly are the bloodline of the communities and the customers we serve, as well as driving the state’s economy.”

Resilient and reliable
Operating in an area prone to storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, Entergy Mississippi is responsible for power restoration after outages in the region. Recognizing that electrical power is now a necessity of day-to-day life, it is concentrating its efforts on strengthening the grid to bring enhanced reliability but also resiliency in the event of adverse weather.

“2023 has been a tumultuous year for us,” Haley reflects. “We’ve been hit with record cold temperatures, awful tornadoes hit some of our communities in March, and then we had a June like we’ve never seen before with a series of thunderstorms equal to Category 1 hurricanes. We’ve also dealt with record high temperatures, which surpassed our peak record three days in a row.

“When we have storms or outages for other reasons, power can be rerouted with its self-healing capabilities,” he proposes. “Although the entire utility industry must have effective storm response units, not just the energy sector, it is our mission to harden our grid to consistently and reliably provide cleaner energy to our customers.”

Haley continues: “One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to work with our communities and help them grow. Our most valuable asset is our people, many of whom live in local areas alongside our customers and we’re passionate about giving back to them.

“I’m also constantly aware that 20 percent of our customers live below the national poverty level, so we’re dedicated to deploying technologies and energy sources that benefit all our customers. We support local business by providing various economic incentives to help people get started, or even help existing companies through times of difficulty.”

With sustainability and renewables dominating discussions over the future of energy, Entergy Mississippi is playing into these conversations. Striving to provide the safest, cleanest energy to its customers, the organization is constantly searching for ways to lower costs while meeting increasing demands for sustainable power.

“Historically, the big debate in the US was deregulation of the industry, but after many failed attempts, we saw the wholesale markets become extremely competitive,” Haley recalls. “However, there is widespread recognition that retail markets still require regulation to enable us to deploy technologies and find new ways of generating energy.

Smart grids
“We’re looking at solar power, for example, as well as wind power and the use of hydrogen, but to be able to launch such technologies takes a huge capital expense. The best way to do that, I believe, is under a modernized, regulated model. There will be more distributed energy resources moving forward, from rooftop solar panels to micro turbines or grids.

“We have a heavy mix of natural gas and nuclear and have a commitment to increasingly add renewables to our portfolio. We’re striving to be well-positioned to appropriately respond to energy circumstances. When the sun is shining, we’re ready to deploy solar power, and when we get a cloud, we can quickly transition using all available resources to find another clean, effective alternative.

“We’re deploying 1000-megawatts of solar facilities over the next five years, for instance, as part of our Economic Development with Green ϳԹ (EDGE) program,” he reveals. “This strategy is two-fold, giving Mississippi an edge in recruiting industry while simultaneously giving Entergy customers
an effective hedge against volatile natural gas prices.”

Aside from sustainability, the evolution of technology has resulted in several changes to the company’s operations. “We’re no longer our grandfather’s utility,” laughs Haley.
“The biggest advancement we’ve seen in our lifetime is communications technology, which is transforming the way we manage and produce energy, especially as we modernize the grid. The future will almost certainly include smart grids, so we must learn how to best operate them and how to use devices like reclosers.

“It’s not only technology that has changed the way we monitor the grid and reroute power, but the materials have changed too. For example, we’re currently in the process of replacing wooden transmission poles with more resilient steel ones, which can withstand winds of up to 155 miles per hour.”

Exceeding expectations
As our conversation draws to a close, Haley adds: “Our goal remains to meet customers’ expectations and address some of the many challenges currently facing the entire industry. While challenges lie ahead, it is those opportunities that excite me. It’s amazing to see the industry progress with technology. It excites me that we can start to imagine a day where people don’t lose power. It’s within the realm of possibility, particularly when we start to analyze how we can build a smart grid with various distributed energy sources.

“Further afield, I’d like to see us as the premier utility company in Mississippi, and even in the US,” he concludes. “We will continue to deliver the best service and most competitive rates for our customers, while also providing opportunities for our employees and the wider communities.”

This article was originally published in ϳԹ, Oil & Gas Magazine. To view it, click .

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Hydrogen energy & Southeast Texas: Why here, why now? /blog/hydrogen-energy-southeast-texas-why-here-why-now Fri, 02 Sep 2022 19:27:00 +0000 /hydrogen-energy-southeast-texas-why-here-why-now Companies across all industries are seeking to reduce emissions and associated costs from operations, and the power industry is no different. When it comes to generating clean energy, utilities have traditionally looked to renewable and nuclear resources; however, hydrogen is a viable option for renewable energy storage and reliable, clean power generation.

Demand for the nonpolluting element has tripled since 1975, and development of low-to-zero carbon hydrogen production continues to grow across the world to support the decarbonization goals of countries and companies. Closer to home, there have been recent developments in funding opportunities to incentivize clean energy production, making alternative fuel sources more competitive against traditional fuel sources.

Southeast Texas is well positioned to play a key role in the growing low-to-zero carbon hydrogen industry, as we are in the heart of hydrogen producers, extensive hydrogen pipeline delivery infrastructure, hydrogen storage capability and industrial customers. In fact, one of the largest green hydrogen plants in North America will soon call the Beaumont area home. Our region is full of companies that are leaders in energy technology integration, deployment, operation and maintenance. As a result, our service area already has a workforce with the skillset to become a leader in clean hydrogen innovation. Now is the time to leverage these strengths to ensure Southeast Texas not only maintains but enhances its position as a worldwide leader in the energy industry.

To help produce sustainable, low-cost and reliable energy to the ever-growing Southeast Texas population, Entergy Texas is working to bring the Orange County Advanced Power Station to Bridge City. OCAPS will have the initial capability to use up to 30% hydrogen by volume along with natural gas to generate power. Hydrogen produces zero carbon emissions when utilized as the fuel source for electric generation. The dual-fuel plant will provide enough electrical energy to power over 230,000 residential homes across Southeast Texas.

As soon as it is placed in service, OCAPS’ dual fuel capability to use hydrogen as an additional fuel source will provide immediate reliability benefits to Texans in the event the delivery of natural gas is constrained, as it was during Winter Storm Uri. In addition, Entergy Texas views hydrogen as a form of long-duration storage for renewable energy. When renewable resources produce energy at the time it’s needed, they can provide power directly. At the same time, when renewable resources are coupled with electrolysis, and hydrogen storage, they can generate clean hydrogen that can be used to fuel dispatchable power plants whenever needed. In other words, hydrogen is a way to convert intermittent renewables into clean, on-demand power that is available when Texans need it most.

The OCAPS facility will not only modernize the generation fleet but help drive economic development and benefit the communities we serve. An outside analysis determined the construction of OCAPS will create nearly $1.8 billion in total economic activity in Southeast Texas, leading to more than 7,000 jobs during construction. OCAPS will be replacing old, less fuel-efficient generation resources and is projected to save customers approximately $109 million in fuel costs during its first full year of operation alone. In addition to providing reliable and affordable power, OCAPS’ hydrogen capabilities will help meet our customers’ evolving sustainable energy needs as the nation moves further toward a low-carbon economy. For example, Entergy Texas recently entered into an agreement with Sempra Infrastructure to develop a renewable electricity plan to provide efficient, resilient, and sustainable power to Sempra’s facilities in Southeast Texas.

Southeast Texas is growing at a rapid pace, and the time to continue to invest in hydrogen and power that growth is now. Texas residents deserve reliable power, and OCAPS generates that power right here in Texas. The OCAPS project reduces reliance on power imported from other states and helps ensure the region has access to modern and efficient generation. Entergy Texas is committed to making investments that support a resilient electric system and provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to our customers for generations to come.

Leer la versión en español aquí

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Project Undercover Gives Texas Kids Happy Feet /blog/project-undercover-gives-texas-kids-happy-feet Tue, 22 Aug 2017 15:41:00 +0000 /project-undercover-gives-texas-kids-happy-feet For the fifth year, Entergy Texas employees did their part to ensure that area schoolchildren have the most basic of essentials when the first bell rings this fall. With United Way’s Project Undercover, Entergy offices served as drop-off points for donations of new socks and underwear that benefit Montgomery County students in need.

According to United Way, these essentials will benefit students who participate in the free and reduced lunch program across Montgomery County’s six school districts. While many other programs provide these students back-to-school supplies and clothing, essential needs like socks and underwear tend to be overlooked.

Entergy employees at Conroe, Parkwood and The Woodlands Service Center donated 969 items, including underwear, socks, camisoles and t-shirts.

“It’s incredible that Entergy hit almost 1,000 items donated, which sets a new record. I was so excited to be asked to lead this drive again to help the students of Montgomery County start their school year with these items, so that they can focus on learning,” said Paula Odom, senior customer service specialist.

This year, in total, Project Undercover collected nearly 15,000 pairs of socks and underwear. With each student receiving a school week’s supply of socks and underwear, these donations will benefit approximately 1,500 Montgomery County students.

“The donations collect this year surpassed last year’s total by more than 30 percent. This was a record haul, and this success was due, in no small part, to Entergy’s efforts. We appreciate the company’s participation and commitment to this simple, and yet so impactful, initiative,” said Rick Meidel, United Way’s director of donor relations for Montgomery County.

Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to our communities.

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On the Home Front: Entergy Texas Employees Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Build /blog/on-home-front-entergy-texas-employees-volunteer-at-habitat-for-humanity-build Tue, 13 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000 /on-home-front-entergy-texas-employees-volunteer-at-habitat-for-humanity-build A cross-section of nineteen employees participated in the project in Beaumont

Just for the day, a group of Entergy employees stepped away from their computers for a different type of hardware – hammers, nails and table saws – to help recently with a Habitat for Humanity home build in Beaumont. Employees installed hurricane clips inside the house, and the siding and shingles on two sheds. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds 3 and 4 bedroom affordable homes for low-income families.

Together we can

Employees from The Woodlands headed to Beaumont before daybreak where they joined their eastern region colleagues at the worksite. In total, 19 Entergy employees participated.

Build a house, build a relationship

Ron Fletcher, customer service representative, helped organize the project. Fletcher said, “Many worked alongside fellow employees that they may not work with often or ever, and you never know where these connections may lead down the road.”

“So, for me, the highlight of the day was seeing volunteers from across the company working together to build a home for a deserving family. Everyone seemed to be pleased with what we accomplished that day.”

Tip of the hardhat to employee volunteers

Stuart Barrett, director of resource planning and market operations, dove enthusiastically into the project. He not only secured a van for employees from The Woodlands, but also drove the team.

Barrett said, “It was great to see everyone pitching in to complete all the necessary tasks of measuring, cutting, hammering, and assembling, and doing so in a safe manner. This effort makes me proud to be an Entergy employee and to work with individuals that care enough to serve the communities in which we live and work.”

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Q&A with Jeffre Wagley on National Lineman Appreciation Day /blog/q-with-jeffre-wagley-on-national-lineman-appreciation-day Wed, 13 Apr 2016 06:00:00 +0000 /q-with-jeffre-wagley-on-national-lineman-appreciation-day Conducted by Phallan K. Davis

Jeffre Wagley is in his 16th year at Entergy, and has 23 years in the trade altogether. A 1st class lineman, he is the longest-serving lineman in the Cleveland network. In observation of National Lineman Appreciation Day, Wagley spends some time discussing his career at Entergy and the job of a lineman.

Thanks for joining us. Finish this sentence. The job of a lineman is…

The job of a lineman is really a lifestyle, and it requires personal sacrifices. In 15 years, I’ve only spent three Christmases with my family. But I wasn’t raised in my line career to not care. If my fellow lineman is out there working, I’ll be there too.

What advice do you have for linemen just starting out in their career?

I try to teach younger linemen to have respect for older linemen and for each other. Disrespect leads to inattention. Inattention leads to someone getting hurt. It only takes a split second for this to happen.

Talk about the role community plays in your career.

I live in the very community where I work. After we get the lights back on, people will come up to me to say thank you.

In our conversation in the crew room, we discussed the camaraderie among linemen. What does it mean for you to be part of the Cleveland network?

The Cleveland network is a good place to work. When you go to another network to help out, you want them to want to work with you. And in Cleveland they find a network of linemen who are always willing to help.

Fun fact:

When Wagley first began his career as a lineman, he was afraid of heights. The third pole that he climbed was 100 feet tall so there went that fear.

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