THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Although warmer weather is still lingering around, soon cooler temps will be here. 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 Texas 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-lit 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 Texas’ 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 Texas

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 512,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its 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 Texas, visit the and connect with @EntergyTX on social media.

JACKSON, Miss. – Entergy Nuclear, along with Entergy’s operating companies in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, is closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Monday morning, Sept. 9, the forecast from the National Hurricane Center calls for a Category 1 hurricane landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday evening.

Although the storm is not anticipated to impact our nuclear stations, we’ve entered severe weather procedures that ensure our readiness at Waterford 3 and River Bend Stations in Louisiana and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mississippi. Those procedures include walk-downs, securing of equipment and contingency staffing plans.

Nuclear power plants maintain the highest standard for operational safety, security, cybersecurity and emergency preparedness. The industry’s comprehensive safety procedures and stringent federal regulations keep our plants and neighboring communities safe. In addition, nuclear plants are designed to exceed requirements to withstand any historical natural disaster in their region, and Entergy’s plants have a long history of safety and security during challenging times.

Stay informed

With just a few days remaining before the system is expected to impact the coast, Entergy urges our communities and employees to remain weather aware. For up-to-date information, visit the  and follow Entergy Nuclear on .

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that 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. Learn more at¬†entergy.com¬†and connect with¬†@Entergy¬†on social media. #WePowerLife

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and Entergy Texas is encouraging all customers to join us as we prepare for the upcoming storm season.

Storms are impacting our region more frequently with increasing intensity. According to weather forecasters, the 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be one of the most active storm seasons on record with 24 named storms, 11 of which may become hurricanes and 6 of which might reach Category 3 status or stronger. The company encourages customers to buckle down on safety preparations to minimize storm impacts.

To enhance the reliability of our service, Entergy Texas proactively invests in strengthening and upgrading our power delivery system. The company continuously works to minimize the risk of storm-related outages by enhancing existing infrastructure, deploying animal and vegetation mitigation measures, rebuilding significant portions of the grid, and accelerating the transition to a smart grid. These investments harden the grid against more frequent and intense weather events.

Additionally, the company is developing a multiyear resiliency proposal that is scheduled to go before the Public Utility Commission of Texas for approval later this year. The proposal, which aims to reduce the duration of weather-related outages and restoration costs, includes leveraging non-ERCOT grants from the recently passed Texas şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Fund to make necessary resiliency investments at an affordable cost.

“At Entergy Texas, we are intentional and strategic about improvements to the power grid,” said Frank Shannon, Entergy Texas vice president of reliability. “Our dedicated group of employees and contractors are committed to creating a more resilient grid that provides customers with the reliability they expect and deserve.”

For more information and updates on Entergy Texas’ reliability projects, visit Reliability Updates.¬†

Stay Prepared

Staying storm ready is a full-time commitment. When anticipating severe weather, Entergy Texas uses computer models and past storm data to forecast potential damage to our power delivery system. Using these predictions, Entergy proactively deploys restoration teams in areas experiencing extreme weather to safely restore power as quickly as possible. 

“Safety is our top priority. We encourage all customers to have a plan in place before severe weather strikes,” stated Stuart Barrett, Entergy Texas vice president of customer service. “Don’t wait to get the materials you need to secure your home. Take time to assemble a storm kit for emergency situations and create an evacuation plan if severe weather is forecasted in your area.”¬†

Learn how to make an emergency kit and get important safety tips at the .

• : Planning can help.
• : Make a plan, make a kit.
• : A lifeline during a disaster.
• : Safety after the storm.
• : Know the hazards.
• : Know the signs.

Stay informed

Knowing what’s happening around you will help you make more informed storm-related decisions. Get current news and updates on Entergy Texas’ 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 and . Social media also plays an important role in keeping you informed, and we place a high priority on updating company’s social media channels throughout an event. 
• 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.
• Downloading the Operation: Storm Ready Guide. This guide will help you plan and prepare for weather emergencies. Versions are available in and .

Verify contact information 

Verify or update your contact information at to receive the most up-to-date information during weather events.

THE WOODLANDS, TEXASĚýĚý– Entergy Texas is prepared for hurricane season starting June 1, and customers should be ready, too. At a time when weather is impacting our region with increased strength and frequency, the potentially significant threats to our area this season.

Entergy Texas preforms storm preparations year-round – from inspections and vegetation management to training and industry collaboration. Since trees and other vegetation are a leading cause of power outages, we conduct Ěývegetation trimming, which removes tree limbs that would normally have been above or near the power lines. And, we use satellite imagery and computer modeling to help predict when trimming may be needed.

Severe weather is impacting our region and customers with increased strength and greater frequency, during hurricane season and beyond. The 2020 hurricane season was the busiest ever recorded, with 30 named storms and five hitting our area. In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused more damage to our distribution system than all major hurricanes we’ve experienced since 2005. And our crews have responded to destruction from outbreaks of major tornadoes and storms in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas over the previous 14 months.

“Storms are impacting our region more frequently with increased intensity, making it a greater priority to prepare ahead of time,” said Melanie Taylor, vice president for reliability Entergy Texas. “We’re committed to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible following severe weather and urge customers to prepare and have a plan in place.”

Enhancing the grid is also an ongoing effort that’s well-planned. We know perform well, for example: During Hurricane Ida, a section of our transmission system with roughly 380 newly built structures was in the direct path of the storm, and only three of them were damaged – and not by wind, but by flying heavy-duty barge debris. In fact, flying debris is often another cause of damage to our equipment.

Stay prepared

Staying storm ready is a full-time job, 24/7, 365 days a year. When there’s a severe weather threat, Entergy Texas uses forecasts and computer models based on experience with past storms to predict damage to our power delivery infrastructure such as poles, transformers and wire spans. Based on those estimates, the company will call on restoration workers from around the country as needed to safely get the power back on as quickly as possible. Assessing damage, deploying personnel to the right place with the right materials and restoring power are all processes Entergy Texas continually plans for and improves.Ěý

“Safety is at the forefront of all we do, and we encourage you to prepare now and remain safe when severe weather hits,” said Stuart Barrett, vice president of customer service for Entergy Texas. “Take the time now to get your personal storm plans in place and make a kit with the basic supplies needed in an emergency. You can learn how to make an emergency kit and get important severe weather safety tips on the .”

• : Planning can help.
• : Make a plan, make a kit.
• : A lifeline during a disaster.
• : Safety after the storm.
• : Know the hazards.
• : Know the signs.

Stay informed

Staying informed before, during and after a tropical system strikes is just as important as making personal storm plans. Here’s how you can stay up to date on Entergy Texas’ preparations and 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 our View Outage website. Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
• Follow us on and . Social media also plays an important role in keeping you informed, and we place a high priority on updating company’s social media channels throughout an event.Ěý
• Sign up for about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.

• Visit the website. The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
• Download the Operation: Storm Ready Guide. This guide will help you plan and prepare for weather emergencies. Versions are available in and .

About Entergy TexasĚý
Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 499,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its operating companies across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy is creating a cleaner, more resilient energy future for everyone with our diverse power generation portfolio, including increasingly carbon-free energy sources. With roots in the Gulf South region for more than a century, Entergy is a recognized leader in corporate citizenship, delivering more than $100 million in economic benefits to local communities through philanthropy and advocacy efforts annually over the last several years. Our approximately 12,000 employees are dedicated to powering life today and for future generations. For the latest news from Entergy, visit the .

Starting with interior safety, it’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace and fireplace to ensure both are within good standards. Fallen leaves, animal nests and other debris can cause the smoke from your fireplace to vent into your home rather than outside your home, which could cause a fire. Regularly replace the air filters in your furnace and if you have allergies, consider special filters that provide extra protection against allergens.

As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. All homes should contain a carbon monoxideĚýdetector to help identifyĚýtheĚýcolorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.

Getting in the seasonal spirit may mean lighting a few scented candles but remember to never leave a burning candle unattended. A small sputter or an errant flame can cause a fire in an instant.

If you are using a space heater to stay warm, be sure to only use it when you are at home to monitor its activity.ĚýSpace heaters consume more energy than otherĚýheating systems and are a fire hazard, so keep them at least three feet away from rugs, furniture and anything flammable.

For exterior or outside safety, when performing maintenance activities that require a ladder, be sure to wear proper footwear, position the ladder on a flat surface, and have someone nearby to spot you. Keep in mind that when cleaning up fallen leaves and broken limbs brought down by brisk autumn breezes, stay away from power lines, and always consult with a professional for trimming trees. If trimmings fall onto power lines, assume downed wires are energized and call 1-800-ENTERGY for help.

To stay warm:

• Cover every part of your body — including your face — and wear layers of loose-fitting clothing to protect against frostbite and hypothermia. In cold weather, your body actually loses heat faster than it can produce it.
• Stay inside when temperatures are dangerously cold. And remember that certain people are at higher risk than others, especially the elderly.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any person whose body temperature falls below 95°F.

To get around safely:

• Wear sensible footwear when streets and sidewalks are snow-covered and icy. Flat-soled shoes with treads — not smooth soles — make it easier to plant your entire foot securely on the surface, which improves balance. Water-resistant boots designed to protect your feet from the cold are also a good choice.
• Walk slowly and take shorter steps in icy, snowy conditions. This allows for adequate reaction time if you suddenly encounter a slippery patch of pavement.
• Wear bright clothing so others can see you in wintry conditions. Something as simple as a colorful scarf or hat can make a big difference.
• Be aware of your surroundings. When walking, always look ahead to anticipate any change in conditions, such as a patch of ice or uneven pavement. Avoid using headphones that block out the sound of oncoming vehicles.

To remove ice and snow:

• Take time to stretch before you start to shovel snow. This helps prevent injury, especially because you’ll be using muscles that may have been inactive for a while.
• Avoid heavy lifting. A better approach is to push the snow off to the side because it requires less exertion, and that means less stress on your body.
• Take water breaks. Just as you would during any physical activity, it helps you stay adequately hydrated. Periodic rests are a must, especially if you’re not accustomed to this type of intense activity.
• Use a shovel with a long arm and a blade that’s somewhat flat. It will be easier on your back. Lifting heavy snow is never a good idea, but if you must, bend at the knees and let your legs do the work.

This winter, avoid accidents and stay warm by heeding these tips for staying safe in icy, snowy conditions.

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Whole house

• Make sure lightbulbs are the appropriate wattage for all fixtures.
• If small children are present, install covers on all unused outlets.
• Keep electrical cords away from foot traffic, and make sure they’re not covered by rugs or furniture.
• Don’t use extension cords on a long-term basis.
• Avoid plugging multiple devices into one outlet.
• All 15 and 20 amp circuit breakers in your electrical panel should have arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) capability to protect electrical wiring and your house from fire due to arcing.

Bathrooms

• Never use electrical devices, such as radios or hair dryers, when the bathtub is being used.
• Install only ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets in the bathroom. GFCIs protect people from shock hazard.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.

Kitchen

• Unplug countertop appliances when not in use.
• Locate appliance cords away from heat sources, such as the stove or range.
• Make sure all kitchen outlets are GFCI protected.

Bedrooms

• Avoid drinking liquid when using an electric blanket or heating pad.
• Don’t cover an electric blanket when in use.
• Make sure electric blankets are in good condition; check for cracks or breaks in electrical cords.
• Turn off electric blankets and heating pads when not in use if they don’t have a timer.

Basement

• Keep the electrical panel free from obstructions, and make sure your hands and the floor are dry before touching the panel.
• Install GFCI protection in outlets located near clothes washers or wash tubs, or all outlets if it’s damp.
• Place portable heaters and dehumidifiers on a stable and level surface, at least 3 feet from walls and other objects.

Outdoors

• Install watertight covers on all outlets that protect the outlet even with a cord plugged in.
• Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI protected.
• Make sure power tools are in good condition and wires aren’t cracked or frayed.
• Store power tools indoors to keep them from being damaged by water or excessive heat.
• When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant extension cords marked for outdoor use.
• Power lines may be underground as well. Before digging, call 811 to have utility lines marked.

These tips are for informational purposes only and aren’t meant to supersede state or local building codes. Contact your local building inspector for information regarding requirements in your area. Remember that common sense and good safety habits are the best protection against electrical hazards.

The focus of 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.

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.

Texas 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.

All utilities must respond within 48 hours 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. For more information, visit or .

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 450,000 customers in 27 counties. şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

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entergytexas.com

Twitter: @EntergyTX

Facebook: Facebook.com/EntergyTX

Fire can be a good thing when treated with respect, but it can be a danger when paired with the many distractions of the holiday season.

“Respect electricity at all times,” said Vernon Pierce, Entergy Texas vice president of customer service. “Follow all safety guidelines to ensure that you and your family make happy memories and get to enjoy this time with those you care about most.”

In the quest to create a good old-fashioned family celebration, follow these important safety tips:

INDOORS

• Is your tree live? If so, make sure it is fresh and green with needles that are hard to pull from the branches.
• Place the tree in a stand with water, well away from heaters or the fireplace, and check the water daily.
• Before putting lights on the tree or using them in other home decorations, examine them carefully. Do they have frayed wiring or loose sockets? Throw them out! Make sure any you keep or replace have been tested for safety by an independent testing laboratory.
• Make sure all light sockets have bulbs in them. Children are fascinated by lights and could put their fingers in empty sockets.
• Do not let bulbs touch tree branches. Never burn candles on or near the tree and never use flammable decorations.
• Never use lights on a metallic tree. If the lights become faulty, the entire tree could be electrified.
• Be careful not to overload extension cords, outlets or even whole circuits in the house.
• For optimum safety as well as energy efficiency, use smaller, cool-burning LED lights.
• Place wires where they cannot trip anyone. Do not run them under rugs.
• Turn off decorative lighting when you leave the room.

OUTDOORS

• Make sure the lights used are specifically designated for outdoor use and the cords are not worn or frayed.
• Use a non-conducting fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with strings of lights, and stay clear of all overhead wires.
• Turn the electricity off before replacing bulbs.
• Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves.
• For outside use, work only with three-wire grounded extension cords.
• Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out.ĚýĚý
• Keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes.ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 450,000 customers in 27 counties. şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $10.8 billion and nearly 13,000 employees.

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Ěý

James’ Power Principle

I hold myself accountable to employeesĚýwhom I work with every day.ĚýI try to motivate employees to have a safe, productive day and encourage a questioning attitude.

What Makes Him Proud

I am most proud of being married to my wife Ellen for 35 years, raising four wonderful children, watching them grow into adults and spoiling my four wonderful grandchildren.

Projects He Enjoys

I don’t really have a favorite project. ButĚýI do enjoy being involved with other departments and employees throughout the company in any project that creates a “safety-first” environment.