What if the power grid could tell us how it’s doing — right now, in real time?

That’s the idea behind the new technology Entergy Louisiana will pilot to make electric service safer, stronger and more reliable for customers across the region.

The Neuron, developed by Heimdall Power, can provide real-time insight into how transmission lines are performing. Described as a “smartwatch for the power grid,” the Neuron was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025.

A smarter way to monitor power lines

In late January, Entergy Louisiana installed 11 Neuron devices across two energized transmission lines. The installations will be completed using drones, allowing work to take place safely and efficiently while lines remain energized, meaning customers will not experience service interruptions during the process.

Once installed, each Neuron continuously monitors key data points such as:

• Power line temperature
• Electrical current
• Line sag and physical stress
• Localized weather conditions

Together, this information gives Entergy operators a clear, real-time picture of how transmission lines are actually performing — not just how they are expected to perform under worst-case scenarios.

Moving beyond guesswork

Traditionally, transmission lines are operated using conservative estimates based on extreme heat, storms, or ice. While this approach prioritizes safety, it can also leave significant line capacity unused during normal or favorable conditions.

Real-time monitoring enables a practice known as dynamic line rating, which safely determines how much power a line can carry based on actual conditions. When lines are cooler or under less stress, they can often carry more electricity without risk. Utilities around the world using this approach have increased line capacity by as much as 40 percent.

Why this matters for customers

Across Louisiana, electricity use continues to increase as new industries, data centers, electric vehicles and expanded electrification place added pressure on the grid. By getting more out of existing infrastructure, Entergy can:

• Keep your power on more often by spotting potential problems before they happen
• Make the grid stronger during heat waves, storms, and other tough conditions
• Help keep electricity costs down by getting more out of the equipment we already have, rather than building new infrastructure
• Keep our workers safer when they are out maintaining power lines
• Make it easier to integrate renewable energy like wind and solar

This technology allows Entergy to make smarter operational decisions today while planning responsibly for the future.

What’s next

Over the coming months, Entergy will evaluate how the Neuron performs across different regions, weather patterns, and load conditions. Insights from the pilot will help inform future planning, operations, and grid modernization efforts across the company.

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Entergy remains committed to investing in innovative, technology-driven solutions that strengthen the grid and deliver reliable, affordable power for the communities it serves.

Seeing our energy future starts with seeing the grid more clearly today.