NEW ORLEANS — In the summer everyone is running their air conditioning, but as the temperatures drop we're switching on our heaters. Monday Entergy Louisiana announced a new program that will provide backup energy to the grid.
The energy company announced a new program that will provide backup energy to the grid. They're now partnering with local businesses to ensure people have access to essential resources if severe weather hits.
Louisiana's are resilient but having zero access to power, especially after a storm can challenge the toughest of us. Entergy Louisiana has now launched its Power Through program, a partnership with local businesses to ensure there's backup energy.
LPSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said, "The power through program... provides electricity to the community in various locations when extra electricity is needed during peak demand. But what it also does is provide power to facilities that provide services during critical needs during power outages, particularly during hurricane season."
This program will provide backup power to supermarkets, hospitals and nursing homes. So, if the power goes out, the generator will instantly come on, so there's no loss of power. The first generator went live Monday at Copeland Tower senior-living facility.
Commissioner Skrmetta said, "This one particular facility at Copeland towers provides facility services for residential living for a retirement community. But it also provides housing for first responders through National Guard and other services during those periods of time."
With it getting colder outside more of us are running our heaters, this new program will also provide extra power during peak times...
Entergy Louisiana representative Stacy Castaing said, "When it's not in use these power sources will deliver clean and reliable energy back to the grid when it's needed the most during the hottest and coldest days of the year."
According to the commissioner, there's also a push to get businesses to install their own generators in case bad weather strikes.
"The commission has also provided a resolution to the legislature to request for the legislature provide a tax credit to pharmacies, gas stations and grocery stores for A $10,000 tax credit for those facilities to put in their own generation systems to provide security for resources for the public," said the Commissioner.