Entergy and North America’s school transportation company, First Student have partnered to conduct a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project in New Orleans.
While Entergy New Orleans will provide an electric service to support the installation of five electric vehicle chargers with V2G capabilities, First Student will provide five electric buses federally funded through a $1.9 million EPA Clean School Bus Rebate grant secured by Crescent City Schools in 2022.
The V2G chargers with bi-directional capabilities can contribute to the long-term, sustainable, clean energy transition by adding capacity to the electric grid during high demand periods.
The companies have selected Harriet Tubman Charter School as an ideal site to support the project and a potential future expansion.
“This partnership with First Student is another step toward helping modernize our customers’ fleets and reducing emissions in New Orleans,” said Deanna Rodriguez, Entergy New Orleans president and CEO. “Additionally, the implementation of groundbreaking technology like V2G chargers for the New Orleans grid shows that our company and community are moving quickly towards a cleaner energy future.”
The electric buses are expected to be operational in early 2024. The new buses will be able to transfer energy back into the grid when required through Energy Smart’s Commercial Demand Response Program.
“The introduction of V2G chargers to the New Orleans grid not only represents progress but also demonstrates our dedication to pioneering technology that will shape an efficient energy landscape for the community,” said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student.
