Just two weeks ago, Entergy New Orleans backed out of a $30-million dollar commitment to build a substation and supply power directly to the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board.
Now the company is applying to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for nearly a half-billion dollars to boost grid resiliency.
The company has submitted eight applications for grants from FEMA, of which nearly $40-million dollars’ worth were rejected by FEMA last year.
In a press release Entergy says Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans, in coordination with The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, have requested the funds from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program.
Examples of projects submitted for consideration include: Installing flood protection barriers and associated flood mitigation equipment to substations in Calcasieu and St. Charles Parishes to prevent damage from a 500-year storm.
And strengthening the overhead distribution lines from the Derbigny substation, which serves portions of New Orleans, to withstand winds up to 140 miles per hour, as well as substations and distribution lines in the more exposed Lower Plaquemines Parish, to withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour.
“Entergy New Orleans is committed to making proactive investments to build a more resilient grid to ensure our communities are better protected from the impacts of stronger, more intense storms that may disrupt power,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “Building electrical infrastructure strong enough to withstand the increased intensity and frequency of storms is an important decision that must balance affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability.”
