On Aug. 29, 2021, 16 years to the day Hurricane Katrina forever changed the landscape of Greater New Orleans, Hurricane Ida followed in its devastating footsteps and, once again, challenged the resolve of the communities that call this area home. As part of the destruction wrought by the Category 4 storm that was Ida, Entergy Corp.’s Avondale-to-Harahan 230-kV river-crossing circuit was irreparably damaged. After the storm passed and damages were assessed, the utility discovered one of the existing river-crossing towers on the ground and the conductor in the Mississippi River, attached to the other still-standing tower.

New and upgraded infrastructure to increase resilience and reliable power

New Avondale to Harahan crossing built to withstand winds of up to 175 mph

Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans, in coordination with The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, have submitted eight grant applications to FEMA requesting funding for projects to enhance the resiliency of the electric grid through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program.

We’re building back stronger after Hurricane Ida caused significant damage across our coastal communities. We’re installing class-one utility poles with extra hardened footings for critical power lines in areas where the storm’s strongest winds were felt. Digging deeper holes and placing new poles into steel caissons are ways we’re strengthening the grid and combating poor soil conditions in our coastal communities. These new structures meet the most up-to-date design standards and can withstand 150-mph winds. Watch how we’re making the electrical system more resilient: