Entergy Texas receives approval on Phase I of Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan

News Release > Entergy Texas receives approval on Phase I of Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan

Entergy Texas receives approval on Phase I of Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan

01/16/2025

Projects included in the multiyear resiliency plan aim tostrengthen the Southeast Texas power grid, reduce outage timesand save customers millionsin storm restoration costs

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - A brighter, more resilient energy future is on the horizon for Southeast Texas. On January 16, the Public Utility Commission of Texas unanimously approved Phase I of Entergy Texas' Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan.The first phase of the company's comprehensive resiliency plan will be implemented over a roughly three-year period and includes $137 million in strategic projects to strengthen the Southeast Texas power grid, reduce storm-related outages, and save customers millions in restoration costs over the coming decades. Over the next 50 years, these improvements are projected to reduce outage times by an estimated 1 billion minutes, significantly cutting the time families and businesses spend in the dark after severe weather events.

"This is more than a plan-it's a promise to our customers that we're investing in their future," said Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. "The PUCT's approval allows us to continue building a power grid that can withstand today's challenges and adapt to tomorrow's needs. This is how we help build a stronger foundation for our communities to thrive, even in the face of extreme weather."

The first phase of the Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan will focus on key infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Stronger distribution lines: Upgrading local distribution and main feeder lines to higher storm-resilient standards.
• Stronger transmission lines:Rebuilding high-voltage lines and poles to withstand hurricane-force winds.
• Undergrounding select lines: Moving overhead lines underground in targeted areas.

In addition, Entergy Texas plans to pursue funding from the Texas Energy Fund to implement additional projects at no cost to customers and explore innovative financing options like storm securitization to deliver long-term savings. The company's approach to balancing affordability with strategic grid improvements proved successful when it recently secured $54 million in federal fundingthrough the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program to bolster grid reliability in Port Arthur, a coastal community vulnerable to storms. A portion of these funds will offset the cost of Phase I projects as well.

Resiliency is a key component of Entergy Texas' holistic Southeast Texas Energy Plan (also known as STEP Ahead). This six-step strategy aims to add 1,600 megawatts of new generation capacity by 2028, maintain affordable rates, and meet the region's rapidly growing energy needs with reliability and resilience at the forefront.

Learn more about how Entergy Texas is staying a STEP Ahead of energy challenges and building a more grid energy future for Southeast Texas.

About Entergy Texas
Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 512,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Texas, visit the Newsroomand connect with @EntergyTXon social media.