LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – While Arkansas experienced widespread snow, sleet and freezing rain, Entergy Arkansas customers experienced fewer power outages than anticipated, thanks in large part to extensive advance preparation and system-hardening efforts, the company reported Wednesday. As power remains stable in the state, Entergy Arkansas is now sending around 200 lineworkers and support management personnel in mutual assistance to Louisiana and Mississippi to assist with their restoration efforts.
Ahead of the storm, Entergy Arkansas crews took proactive steps to reduce potential outages, including aggressive vegetation management. In the days leading up to the storm, crews trimmed approximately 1,400 trees near power lines to help prevent limbs and debris from falling and causing damage during icy conditions.
“Winter weather in Arkansas can be unpredictable, especially when ice is involved,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “Our crews were prepared for this storm and as we focus on providing better power as part of our Next Generation Arkansas initiative in the coming years, we are committed to continuing to make investments that withstand extreme weather.”
To help reduce the risk of outages and support restoration efforts, Entergy Arkansas:
- Had more than 3,500 workers and specialized equipment staged across the state and ready to respond, which allowed for faster restoration efforts.
- Inspected substations, transmission lines and other critical infrastructure.
- Insulated power plant equipment and piping where needed.
- Used real-time data from advanced metering infrastructure to monitor the power load and keep it balanced, helping provide enough power for customers.
- Worked with local officials to identify and support warming centers in impacted areas.
These efforts along with the company’s strategic investments over the years have positioned Arkansas with the balanced, “all-of-the-above” energy mix approach needed to combat extreme weather events and complements the company’s ongoing reliability work to keep the electric system resilient throughout the year.
Entergy Arkansas prepares year-round for severe weather. The company continues to evaluate system performance and will use lessons learned from this storm to further strengthen reliability efforts, including ongoing vegetation management and infrastructure upgrades.
As we continue the winter months when energy usage will remain elevated, Entergy Arkansas is committed to delivering affordable, reliable power to communities and helping customers manage their electric usage to generate savings on their bill. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of resources offered by Entergy such as its online Bill Toolkit that is designed to help customers use energy more efficiently, manage monthly costs, and access bill payment and financial assistance options during the winter months. They can also manage their accounts online at myEntergy or by calling 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) for assistance.
For winter preparedness tips and updates, visit entergy.com/stormcenter.
About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR). Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. 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, we deliver 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 EntergyArkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.
Media inquiries:
Lamor Williams
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501-377-3525
