THE WOODLANDS, Texas – With freezing temperatures and the potential for ice, wind and rain expected to move through Southeast Texas beginning Friday, Entergy Texas has ramped up preparations to support safe and reliable service. While the exact impacts of a potential winter storm are difficult to predict, our teams are prepared to respond, and we encourage customers to prepare, too.
Ahead of the winter season, Entergy Texas has taken proactive steps to prepare our systems for challenging conditions. The following steps are designed to help reduce the risk of outages during freezing temperatures and support a safe and efficient restoration process if outages occur:
Power plant equipment has been protected to support operation in freezing temperatures.
Piping has been insulated or drained to reduce the risk of freezing or bursting.
Substations and transmission lines critical to reliability have been thoroughly inspected.
Equipment that can be impacted by extreme cold has been routinely tested to reduce the risk of weather-related outages.
Systems that provide electric service to critical natural gas infrastructure have been inspected and prepared for upcoming weather conditions.
Annual clearing of right-of-way areas has been completed to reduce the risk of outages caused by fallen trees or branches.
Our storm response employees, including lineworkers, power plant teams, vegetation crews and a variety of support personnel are meeting regularly, monitoring conditions and preparing to mobilize. Workers from all areas of Entergy Texas are available to provide support needed to keep restoration moving, should outages occur.
“Winter weather impacts our system in different ways than hurricanes or thunderstorms, such as ice or snow weighing down power lines and vegetation causing them to snap,” said Frank Shannon, vice president of reliability for Entergy Texas. “Winter weather conditions may also limit safe access for crews and require additional time to make repairs. Our teams are taking every critical step to ensure they are ready to overcome these challenges to restore power safely and quickly, if necessary.”
We’re encouraging all customers to use this time to prepare and make a plan before extreme weather impacts Southeast Texas. Visit our Storm Center to review a list of tips to prepare your home and keep loved ones safe and warm during the cold weather.
About Entergy Texas
Entergy Texas provides electricity to approximately 538,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Its customers are connected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. power grid, which is a regional transmission organization responsible for administering the transmission systems of member utilities in 15 states stretching across the central region of the United States and Manitoba, Canada. 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, Entergy delivers 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 EntergyTexas.com and connect with @EntergyTX on social media.
Media Inquiries:
Entergy Texas Media
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