Since Entergy New Orleans withdrew its pledge to spend $30 million on a new power substation dedicated to the Sewerage and Water Board, the New Orleans City Council has been looking for ways to replace that money and get the substation built.
City council Budget committee chairman Joe Giarrusso today said the need for a reliable source of power for the Sewerage and Water board is clear.
"Between 2018 and 2022, there were 30 boil water advisories issued for the city of New Orleans," Giarrusso said.
Many of those advisories were the result of power loss that led to an unsafe drop in water pressure. The power substation would reduce the risk of power losses.
That electricity is also needed keep drainage pumps powered. An August 2017 thunderstorm and subsequent flood exposed the inadequacy of the Sewerage & Water Board's self-generated power.
"We've had these flooding issues because of power outages in addition to the heavy rainfall," said Giarrusso. "We know the limitations of the system and how we need to address those, but if the power does not work first, then the pumps are never going to work."
The council is considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to replace the $30 million that would have been paid by Entergy New Orleans.
