Despite Hurricane Francine being a relatively mild hurricane, power outages across New Orleans inconvenienced thousands of customers. For some, it took days to get electricity back. The delays by Entergy have stirred up conversation about the company’s role in the city. We know that New Orleans’ grid needs to be bolstered. Much of the debate about the utility systems revolves around whether or not to bury the power lines. But Entergy shouldn’t just use their money to bury the power lines: It’s time for New Orleans to go solar.
Solar panels are extremely durable, with some of the best able to withstand wind speeds over 150 miles per hour. They’re one of the easiest ways to reduce outage susceptibility because they can store extra energy to be used at each residence. With power outages related to extreme weather on the rise — and with New Orleans at a unique risk for those outages — solar panel installation could play a major role in the future of energy resilience.
Entergy’s monopoly over electricity in New Orleans makes its policy decisions the most relevant factor in whether residents opt for solar panels for their homes. They currently have a program that provides only a monthly $30 credit to residents who have solar panels. Some would argue that higher credits would cost too much, but Entergy continues to increase profits every year. From 2022 to 2023 alone, shareholder profits increased 47%. Much of that could have gone to consumer incentives to harden the grid against outages and reduce New Orleans’ carbon emissions.
Frustration with Entergy is an opportunity for New Orleans to redesign an outdated system that adapts to a changing climate. Entergy will have to either fall into step with what people want, or they will lose their place in the city.
JOSCELYN CALDWELL
New Orleans