LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Spring is here and with warmer temperatures on the way, this is the prime season to start home improvement and landscaping projects. April is National Safe Digging Month and Entergy Arkansas is reminding you to notify Arkansas 811 before digging into your list of spring projects.

National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder to all people who excavate or dig to call 811 or use the 811 online portal  at least two full business days before digging to have the approximate location of their utility lines marked. This process helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient utility outages.

The focus of National Safe Digging Month is on preventing serious consequences that could occur from digging without knowing what’s below the surface – not only now, but year-round. Regardless of what you plan to do, how deep you plan to dig or even if you’ve called before for a similar project, every job requires a contact first.

“Whether you’re planting a new garden, building a fence, laying foundation for a new home, you must notify 811 to ensure professionals can come out and mark the location of buried lines,” said Adam Effrein, vice president of reliability for Entergy Arkansas. “We want to remind everyone that safe digging practices are vital year-round to avoid service interruptions and personal injuries. Not only is it the safe thing to do, it’s also the law.”

The depth of underground utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area. The risk of striking underground utility lines exists even when digging only a few inches.

Arkansas one call is committed to help you stay safe while digging. Calling 811 or using their online portal will ensure customers learn what utilities may be buried beneath the ground, such as natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other services.

After you notify 811, professional locators mark the approximate locations of underground lines at the requested digging site with flags, paint or both. Markings show the location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences such as injury, service disruptions or costly fines and repair costs.

If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or call 911. A gas leak could be occurring if you smell the distinctive natural gas odor, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or see dead vegetation or bubbles near a gas line.

For more information about safe digging, visit .

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at  and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

Entergy Arkansas has mobilized hundreds of line workers, tree trimmers and support personnel from across the state and region to assist in the restoration efforts. Crews are working tirelessly to assess damage, clear debris and rebuild the electric infrastructure impacted by the storms by using thicker, stronger poles. In some cases, concrete poles are being used to improve system infrastructure and make it more resilient. Damages consist of approximately 250 broken poles, 382 spans of downed wire, 12 transmission structures and 85 transformers.

“The safety of our customers and employees is a core value as we work to restore power as quickly as possible,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas. “We understand the inconvenience these weather events have caused, and we want to assure our customers that our teams are doing everything in their power to get the lights back on promptly and return home to their families.”

Entergy Arkansas crews, along with mutual assistance contractors, will restore power to customers as safely and quickly as possible until the job is done. To support the safety of our workforce and avoid fatigue, individuals should not work more than 16 hours in a 24-hour period and should never work more than 13 days in a row without a 24-hour rest period. This allows our restoration crews to get adequate rest and safely restore power when working.

Here’s how you can stay up to date on our 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 map. Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
• Follow Entergy on �����Ի���. 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.

• Text us: If you are signed up to receive our notifications, you can text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. To sign up for text messaging, go to  or by texting REG to 36778. Have your account number and ZIP code handy.
• Visit the  website. The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at  and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After multiple rounds of snowfall and extreme cold temperatures the last two months, many people are ready to welcome spring weather to the Natural State. But like it’s winter counterpart, spring can also bring dangerous weather like thunderstorms to our area.

Ahead of the seasonal switch, Arkansas has declared March 2-8 as . Entergy Arkansas is encouraging customers to observe the week by ensuring they have a severe weather plan, a stocked-and-ready emergency kit and a dependable way to stay informed of weather conditions.

Entergy Arkansas is a proven leader in storm preparation and response. Monitoring weather threats is a 24/7, year-round effort for our employees. We rely on our continuous cycle of planning, preparation, training and evaluation to serve our customers during severe weather.

• When a weather threat is confirmed, Entergy Arkansas uses weather forecasts and computer models based on knowledge from past storms to predict an estimated duration and number of outages that could occur. We follow a very detailed, rehearsed plan that has worked well for us during storm recovery. Every storm is unique, so while plans are rehearsed and in place, we also adapt to ever-changing conditions brought by Mother Nature.

Entergy recognizes that the intensity and frequency of major storms are increasing which is why the company is taking an accelerated approach to storm hardening and building resilience into the electric system.

“After each severe weather event we experience we take steps to harden the system with taller and wider poles and concrete structures where needed,” said Adam Effrein, vice president of reliability for Entergy Arkansas. “And every year, our teams execute reliability projects to redesign and upgrade parts of the system, making power restoration safer and quicker in the future.”

 includes year-round planning and training, then monitoring weather, mobilizing crews and acting as safely and quickly as possible when severe weather strikes. We’re asking customers to join us by:

• .
  • Sit down with your family and share all emergency contact information, so everyone knows how and who to alert.
  • Designate one or more out-of-town contacts.
  • Be aware of the emergency plans at work, and if applicable, your children’s school or elderly family members’ residences if they do not live with you.
  • If your household depends on , discuss with your physician, including alternate living arrangements, should unplanned, extended outages occur.
• • Experts agree it’s a good idea to have items such as non-perishable food, plenty of water, flashlights, a first aid kit with extra batteries and a portable phone charger on hand and easy to access in case of storms.
  • Remember to check the expiration dates on your supplies often and replace the expired items.
• Keeping up with weather updates.
  • Install a smart phone app that will alert you when severe weather is in the area or sign up for emergency alerts on your smartphone.
  • A weather radio with a loud alarm can also help wake you when severe weather threatens overnight.

After impact, stay informed

Knowing what’s happening around you will help you make more informed storm-related decisions. Verify or update your contact information now at  to receive the most up-to-date information during weather events.

Get current news and updates on Entergy Arkansas’ restoration efforts by:

• Downloading the Entergy App. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
• Checking our View Outage website. Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
• Following us on �����Ի��� Social media plays an important role in keeping you informed.
• Signing up for  about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.
• Visiting the  website. The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
• Knowing how to communicate with Entergy Arkansas after a storm hits is important. Customers can report outages and downed power lines on the app or by calling us at 800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243).

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our 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. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the  and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

I am an Engineering Instructor/Program Lead at Arkansas Nuclear One. I manage the accredited engineering training program at ANO. This involves not only overseeing the curriculum and delivery of the training at ANO, but also collaborating closely with engineering leadership across our fleet to identify and address any training needs at the fleet level.

Tell me about how your job impacts plant reliability? 

The engineering training program at ANO is designed to ensure our engineers are fully equipped with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively support the plant’s operations. Training is provided for initial orientation to introduce engineers to the intricate details and systems of the plant, recurring refresher training to keep skills and knowledge up-to-date, targeted trainings to address any performance gaps or areas requiring improvement and additional specialized trainings as needed. These trainings reinforce the importance of advocacy and technical conscience to improve plant reliability and protect the health and safety of the public.

Tell me about the importance your department has in keeping the plant online? �į

The training department is critical to keeping the plant online. We train operations, technicians, engineers and craft to safely run ANO.

Why do you love ANO?

I love the strong sense of community we have here, it’s easy to make friendships with those we work with. I also love the positive influence ANO has on the local River Valley area – ANO truly helps make this a great place to live.

What is a fun fact about you?

My husband is a pilot, and I love to go fly in our plane with him! I’ve started flight training – with him as my instructor.

What is your why?

My family – I want ANO to continue producing clean carbon-free energy to support the needs of our lifestyles and local communities. I am proud to contribute to that.

Little Rock, Ark.– It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with cozy gatherings, cherished traditions, and festive decorations. Whether you plan to set up a sparkling outdoor display or create a warm atmosphere indoors, Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to keep safety top of mind this holiday season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year caused by decorations, excluding trees. These incidents result in an annual average of 3 civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage. Nearly 20% of these decoration-related fires are caused by lamps or bulbs, while candles account for 11%.

To help keep the holiday season safe and joyful, Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to keep the following tips in mind when decorating for celebrations:

Indoor lighting:

• Position your tree safely: Place it in a stand with water and keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces. Check the water daily to prevent your tree from drying out.
• Inspect lights carefully: Discard any strands with frayed cords or cracked bulbs to avoid shock hazards.
• Choose energy-efficient LED lights: Cool-burning LED lights help you save on energy costs and stay safe.
• Avoid flammable decorations: Don’t use candles on or near the tree and choose non-flammable decor.
• Turn off lights when unattended: Always switch off lights when leaving the room or going to bed.

Outdoor lighting:

• Use outdoor-rated lights only: These lights are made to withstand weather conditions and keep your home safe.
• Plug into GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets provide added protection from electrical shocks.
• Choose UL-listed lights: UL labels ensure that your lights are tested for outdoor safety.
• Keep connections dry: Use rubber gaskets to keep water out of sockets and keep lights off the ground by hanging them on stakes.
• Switch off outdoor lights when away: Save energy and enhance safety by turning off outdoor lighting when you’re not home or are going to sleep.

For more tips on how to practice lighting and decoration safety during the holiday season, visit the 

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our 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. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the  and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As Arkansans prepare to head to the polls next week, Entergy Arkansas is doing our part to ensure voting in the 2024 general election goes smoothly. Company leaders have been working on a preparedness plan to help ensure power reliability to voting locations across the state.

“For the last several months, Entergy Arkansas has been working in collaboration with state and local election officials to assure continuity of operations during this year’s election,” said Adam Effrein, Entergy Arkansas’ vice president for power delivery. “We want to do everything we can to provide safe, reliable utility service throughout our service territory so each Arkansan can exercise their right to vote without interruption or delay due to an electric outage.”

Entergy Arkansas’ election preparedness plan includes monitoring the weather and mobilizing workers and equipment throughout our service area to quickly and safely respond if issues arise. While widespread power outages are not expected, Entergy Arkansas stands ready to restore power if needed.

Although there are no known specific or credible threats to the electric grid in conjunction with the election, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation maintain a posture of hypervigilance in the days leading up to and following the general election.

“While we do not anticipate any issues on Election Day, we have worked to eliminate or minimize any potential interruptions to service and are ready to expedite return of service to polling locations if necessary,” said Effrein.

Entergy Arkansas joins federal and state officials in encouraging customers to remain alert as they visit polling places and other public gatherings related to the election. If you see something, please say something. Reporting any suspicious activity to election officials or law enforcement can prevent or resolve potential problems before it is too late.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our 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. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The start of cooler temperatures outside makes fall-lovers eager for coats, sweaters and all the seasonal fun that begins in October. This time of year can also bring opportunities for customers to tackle home improvement or landscaping projects. As fun and gratifying as these activities can be, no one wants them to result in an accident or injury. Entergy Arkansas has some helpful tips for staying safe this fall.

Stay safe outdoors

The Halloween season brings children the fun of wearing costumes, enjoying candy and attending fall festivals and carnivals. The offers tips to help children celebrate safely. Prepare to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home safely by checking outdoor lights and making sure walkways and steps are well-lighted and free of any tripping hazards. Any extension cords should be specifically designated for outdoor use. Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out and remember to turn outside lights and decorations off when you are away from home or asleep.  Help children with videos, activities and other resources.

Keep safety first with home projects

Fall is a great time to tidy up and prep your property for winter. When cleaning up fallen leaves and branches or trimming trees, always use caution and be aware of overhead lines. Position your ladder away from overhead wires, so trimmings will not fall onto power lines. If this happens, always assume downed wires are energized and call 1-800-ENTERGY for help.

If your fall spruce-up includes digging up flower beds, trees or shrubs, remember to call before you dig. Calling 811 before you dig will keep you safe and prevent disruption of utility services to your neighborhood.

When performing maintenance activities that require a ladder inside or out, be sure to wear proper footwear, position the ladder on a flat surface, and have someone nearby to spot you.

Daylight Saving Time ends November 3

When Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, fewer hours of daylight will make it harder to see children going to and from the school bus in the mornings and evenings. When driving, avoid distractions and watch for children in the neighborhood. The offers additional tips for ensuring children arrive to and from school safely.

When setting your clocks to fall back an hour, take the time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. All homes should contain a carbon monoxide detector to help identify the colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.

Stay safe and warm indoors

Candles can add a warm ambience to an autumn evening, but remember it is never safe to leave candles burning unattended. A small sputter or an errant flame can cause a fire in an instant.

They are large consumers of energy and a fire hazard and should be kept at least three feet away from draperies, rugs and furniture. Additionally, homeowners who use a gas or electric furnace should schedule an appointment for service by a certified technician to make sure it is safe for operation and for greatest efficiency.

A wood-burning stove or fireplace can add warmth and coziness to a room but should also be used with caution and proper preparation. Have your chimney cleaned by a professional before the first fire is lit. Fallen leaves, animal nests and other debris can cause the smoke to vent into your home rather than outside and cause a fire.

Remember to replace dirty air filters inside and remove debris from the unit outside to ensure your HVAC unit works efficiently through all seasons.

Be ready for inclement weather

lasts through the end of November, so it is important to not let your guard down even when the weather begins to cool. Prepare now for severe weather that may come your way by

Save money year-round with our Customer Bill Toolkit

Entergy Arkansas’ has ways for customers to manage their energy usage and take more control of their electric bills. From programs to customized bill payment options, the toolkit can lead to bill savings for customers.

For more information, visit for the tools and resources you need to understand your bill, reduce your usage or look for assistance programs and services available to you.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our 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. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One recently donated one of its armed security vehicles to the Pope County Sheriff’s Office for use in law enforcement activities.

Entergy uses the vehicles for protecting the health and safety of the public from radiological sabotage, but is donating this one as a means of good stewardship in the community and to help foster a symbiotic partnership with local officials.

“We are honored that we’re able to support local law enforcement with this donation,” said Doug Pehrson, ANO site vice president. “And we are proud to power life by supporting our community in this way.”

The Lenco BearCat is a wheeled SWAT vehicle designed for military and law enforcement use. The vehicle is based on a Ford F-550 Super Duty commercial truck chassis with a diesel engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The steel armored bodywork includes ballistic glass capable of multi-hits, blast-resistant floors, gunports, roof hatches and other equipment.

“We are grateful for this generous donation to our department,” said Sheriff Shane Jones. “Not only will this vehicle allow the sheriff’s office to respond to events in Pope County, but it will also allow us to respond to a potential event at Arkansas Nuclear One.”

Lenco BearCats have been credited with saving the lives of officers in armed confrontations on numerous occasions.

Supporting and improving the quality of life in communities where Entergy operates through strategic investments is a core value. Entergy strives to contribute to a society that is healthy, educated, environmentally safe and productive.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Spring is here and with warmer temperatures on the way, this is the prime season to start home improvement and landscaping projects. April is National Safe Digging Month and Entergy Arkansas is reminding you to call 811 before digging into your list of spring projects.

National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder to all people who excavate or dig to call 811 at least two full business days before digging to have the approximate location of their utility lines marked. This process helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient utility outages.

The focus of National Safe Digging Month is on preventing serious consequences that could occur from digging without knowing what’s below the surface – not only now, but year-round. Regardless of what you plan to do, how deep you plan to dig or even if you’ve called before for a similar project, every job requires a call first.

“Protecting our customers and making sure they are safe is our top priority,” said Adam Effrein, vice president of reliability and power delivery for Entergy Arkansas. “Everyone – homeowners, business owners and contractors – should call 811 to ensure you don’t disrupt underground utility lines, including gas, water and electric. Not only is it the safe thing to do, but it’s also the law.”

The depth of underground utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area. The risk of striking underground utility lines exists even when digging only a few inches.

Arkansas has its own 811 call center that can help you stay safe while digging. Call center representatives can advise you on how to submit requests to learn what utilities may be buried beneath the ground, such as natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other services.

After you make the call to 811, professional locators mark the approximate locations of underground lines at the requested digging site with flags, paint or both. Markings show the location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences such as injury, service disruptions or costly fines and repair costs.

If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or call 911. A gas leak could be occurring if you smell the distinctive natural gas odor, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or see dead vegetation or bubbles near a gas line.

For more information, visit , Entergy.com/safety/dig/ or call 1-800-482-8998.

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 728,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ��� (NYSE: ETR), an integrated energy company engaged in electric power production, transmission and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to 3 million utility customers through its operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy owns and operates one of the cleanest large-scale U.S. power generating fleets with approximately 24,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including 5,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy has annual revenues of $10 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A large part of Arkansas will go dark Monday, April 8, but it won’t be because the lights go out.

A once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse will take place over Arkansas in the early afternoon, and Entergy Arkansas is encouraging customers to be prepared.

The path of the eclipse across the state will cover large stretches of Interstates 30 and 40 along with miles of state highways, county roads and city streets. Nearly two-thirds of the state is inside the path of totality for the eclipse. The centerline of the eclipse will enter the state around 12:29 p.m. and exit the state at approximately 3:14 p.m. Several locations throughout the state will experience total darkness for anywhere from 1-4 minutes.

Entergy Arkansas is working with officials from the , and other state and city leaders on a preparedness plan that includes preparing for heavy traffic, monitoring the weather and mobilizing workers and equipment throughout our service area to quickly and safely respond if issues arise. While widespread power outages are not expected, Entergy Arkansas stands ready to restore power if needed.

Visitors and traffic concerns

The massive influx of visitors expected in the state will cause challenges with transportation and traffic management that will likely impact Arkansans during the solar eclipse. Additionally, the possibility for severe spring weather, potential fuel shortages and other emergency events is being considered by state leaders.

With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected throughout the natural state during the eclipse, heavy traffic could make it hard to travel, especially immediately after the eclipse has passed. Arkansas transportation officials say residents and visitors alike should be patient and expect traffic jams.

“Increased traffic in a given area can cause concern for accident-related outages,” said Adam Effrein, Entergy Arkansas vice president of reliability. “If a vehicle hits a power pole, it can knock out power to the area until repairs can be made. In addition, cars parked to watch the eclipse could block crucial entrances to substations and electrical equipment that could hamper response times, should a power outage occur.”

Entergy Arkansas is planning for the solar eclipse in much the same way we do for storm situations, with reminders for customers to be sure their contact information is updated in our system, so any outages or unforeseen circumstances can be properly communicated to customers.

Entergy Arkansas recommends customers consider taking the following preparation steps before the solar eclipse:

• Stock up on groceries, medicine, and other daily necessities. Since travel, even locally, will be challenging during the eclipse, get what you need to be able to stay home for those few days if possible.
• Fill up vehicles with gasoline ahead of time. Don’t wait until visitors arrive in the state to purchase fuel when lines may be long and prices could be higher.
• Reschedule errands or appointments. If you can avoid being out and about during the time of the eclipse, stay home. Fewer people on the roads means less possibility of accidents and/or traffic delays.
• Expect heavy traffic and delays. If you must travel for work, school, etc., prepare for longer travel times. Use alternate traffic routes, if available.
• Use special eclipse glasses to safely view the sun. According to the American Astronomical Society, staring directly into the sun during even partial solar eclipses can cause permanent eye damage.

Customer safety

Entergy Arkansas has partnered with the to provide for all k-12 public school students, as well as teachers and staff members.

Experts say the only safe way to look directly at the sun is through special-purpose solar filters, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning eclipse watchers to use caution when watching the solar eclipse. Appropriate solar filters can be found in specially made eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers.

Power capacity

When the moon passes in front of the sun during the April 8 eclipse, there will obviously be less solar power generated. Because Entergy Arkansas has a diverse mix of generating resources, the eclipse is not expected to have a major impact on electricity delivery.

Solar energy accounts for about 1.9% of power capacity for Entergy Arkansas, and while we don’t know the exact amount of solar power generation that will be impacted during the short time the total eclipse occurs, other generation sources like natural gas, hydropower and nuclear will offset any dip in solar power generation.

Customers should note that the darkness during the eclipse most likely will trigger sensors on automatic street lighting or other safety lighting to turn on. Entergy Arkansas will not disable such lighting for the eclipse.

“Planning for power generation during the solar eclipse is very similar to situations where we have thunderstorms or extended cloud cover in the area,” said Effrein. “We’re well positioned with a diverse portfolio of power generation sources, and we don’t believe there will be any impact on customers’ electric service during this time.”

Weather forecast

Spring weather can bring severe storms to the area. While meteorologists will be closely watching the weather and making predictions for April 8, no one can say with certainty what kind of weather a specific location will experience on eclipse day.

Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to remain weather aware during this time and to be prepared in case severe weather strikes during the time of the eclipse.

To be ready before a storm threatens, customers are encouraged to put together a kit that includes emergency supplies and items like important personal documents and contacts, flashlights and cell phone chargers. Additional suggestions on what to include in a kit can be found at .

Also, it is important to know how to remain safe before, during and after a storm. Customers are encouraged to monitor news reports and be aware of any evacuation directions from local authorities. If a storm does impact the area, please remember to use generators safely and avoid downed power lines, as well as utility crews and their worksites. Additional safety tips can be found at .

There are several ways customers can stay connected with Entergy throughout a storm event, including by signing up for text message alerts, downloading the free Entergy mobile app and monitoring the company’s View Outage map, Storm Center and social media channels. Additional information on these tools can be found at .

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our 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. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.