In July, Entergy joined other coastal utilities at a symposium hosted by the Edison Electric Institute to discuss hurricane preparedness and recovery with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Symposium aimed to educate lawmakers and staff about the electric power industry’s approach to hurricane preparedness and response. First held in 2023, this year’s event was organized in coordination with Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus, and EEI.

“I want to personally thank Entergy for participating in this year’s Congressional Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Symposium. As we are in the midst of the 2025 hurricane season and commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the event could not have come at a more crucial moment,” Carter said. “Each year, this symposium provides invaluable insights into the electric utility industry’s efforts to prepare for natural disasters. Together, we can enhance our preparedness and ensure a more resilient future.”

Entergy and other utilities showcased educational materials and examples of technologies used for hurricane preparedness and response. Entergy employees engaged with congressional staff to explain how utility companies work together — along with community organizations and federal agencies — when hurricanes affect their service areas.

The company also demonstrated one of its newest innovations: the Damage Assessment Collection Tool, or DACT. The tool allows field crews to log storm damage directly into a mobile app using a phone or tablet. This streamlined approach speeds up assessments and improves restoration times, while also enabling more accurate customer communications and restoration estimates.

“The demonstration of the Damage Assessment Collection Tool went extremely well and was well received by all visitors who came by the booth,” said Chrystelle Williams, senior manager of grid control systems. “The symposium provided us with an excellent opportunity to share more of the company’s efforts to improve emergency response with our new technologies.”

Carter also spoke about how he plans to continue advocating for programs and policies to assist communities in need when disaster strikes.

“As the founding member and co-chair, I commit that the bipartisan Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus will continue to advance legislation and policies that advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs, while providing efficient and equitable relief for disaster survivors and promoting measures that pave the way for impacted communities to make a full and swift recovery,” he added.

Entergy is committed to continued collaboration on disaster preparedness and stakeholder engagement through programs and policies that offer meaningful support to the communities we serve.