Entergy Louisiana customers are being served by a stronger, more resilient electric grid following the completion of major transmission projects, including one of the largest in the company’s history.
The Lake Charles Transmission Project represents one of the largest single transmission projects in Entergy Louisiana’s history. It included construction of two new substations, expansion of two others, and adding about 25 miles of high-voltage transmission lines – including both 500-kV and 230-kV lines – to move power more efficiently into the fast-growing region.
“A strong, modern electric grid not only improves reliability, but it also helps create jobs and growth for the entire state. The Lake Charles Transmission Project, one part of a multi-phased resiliency project, is essential to meeting today’s power demands and keep pace with Louisiana’s economic growth,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “Our investments will enhance reliability, improve efficiency across the state and expand our load serving capability throughout South West Louisiana.”
Entergy Louisiana is more than half-way through its plans to invest approximately $465 million in transmission expansion and upgrade projects this year to strengthen and enhance the reliability of its energy grid. Upgrades include structures and rebuilt lines that are designed to withstand a category four hurricane.
The Lake Charles project is one of three recent resiliency projects for Entergy Louisiana completed to date in 2018.
The Oakville-Alliance transmission project included the rebuilding and expansion of the Oakville substation to construct a 230-kV transmission path between one of Entergy Louisiana’s substations in Jefferson Parish and a substation in Plaquemines Parish.
Also, Entergy Louisiana has completed its portion of the Terrebonne to Bayou Vista transmission project, a collaborative effort between Entergy Louisiana and Cleco Power, LLC, to improve reliability in southeast Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana completed its 24-mile section of the 36-mile line in May, while Cleco is currently working to complete its section.
The following are some photos from the recent project.