Entergy expects to meet demand despite flooding river

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — With floodwaters still on the rise throughout its service territory, Entergy is monitoring the situation, ensuring adequate power supply and keeping safety the number one priority.

Company officials earlier this week warned of a potential power shortfall due to previous storms, flooding and unusually high temperatures. As of Friday, power supplies are much improved following obtainment of additional resources and repair of storm-damaged transmission lines.

“We continue to operate in a difficult environment where an unexpected event could cause problems on our system,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi Inc. “However, we expect to be able to meet our customers’ needs during this challenging time.”

Entergy employees at company-owned power plants are monitoring the situation very closely. Each plant has plans in place for a variety of emergencies, including high water events.

Entergy said all of its nuclear plants along the Mississippi River were built to withstand a higher maximum potential than is forecast for the spring floods. Plants are hardened against potential flooding.

The National Electric Safety Code stipulates that electrical service must be disconnected if water levels rise too close to the company’s primary lines. Customer property that becomes flooded must have its power cut, and must be repaired and inspected before being re-energized. Service must be disconnected any time water enters a house or when water levels approach a home’s electrical system.

If floodwaters near any Entergy facility, such as a power line, substation or power plant, posing a clear threat to the safety of the employees, that facility would be taken out of service until it is safe to restore it.

Entergy said it would work closely with public safety officials and organizations to ensure the safety of the public. If flood waters near Entergy power lines pose a clear threat to public safety, those lines would be taken out of service until it is safe to reenergize them.

Source: Entergy