NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — When the power goes out during a hurricane, it’s hard to predict when it will be restored. However, Entergy New Orleans officials assure that they are prepared and stronger than ever.
The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be active, with the potential for up to 25 named storms. “We are seeing stronger, more frequent storms,” said Customer Service Vice President of Entergy New Orleans Nyka Scott.
She explained that Entergy New Orleans doesn’t wait for the storm to hit but approaches every hurricane season with “a really strong and solid plan.”
Long before the first storm lands, crews proactively trim trees and fly drones over interstates and less populated areas to ensure they can find a clear path when it is safe enough to get the lights back on. Entergy also runs several drills internally and with the city to keep everyone on the same page.
Despite all the preparation, the power can still go out. Scott said the main problem is when utility poles get knocked down. It takes much longer to replace an entire pole than just the wire.
In some parts of the city, the current system is 60 to 70 years old. The poles “were cutting edge back in the day,” Scott said, but they can only withstand wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour.
Entergy is working on a resiliency plan, that includes replacing poles capable of withstanding wind speeds between 140 and 150 miles per hour, “which is, unfortunately, what we’re starting to see with storms that hit us,” said Scott.
The plan is pending approval from the city council. “If you want resiliency, let the council know that they need to approve this plan. It won’t cost you much, if anything, but it’ll give us a much stronger grid, and it’ll get our power back on quicker after a storm,” said Scott. She hopes it will be approved by this summer.
Scott said the best way to stay informed is through the Entergy app, “That’s where we update you for everything. You can look at our outage map there. You can sign up for text alerts which is really the best way to communicate after a storm.”
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