Three Entergy representatives teamed up to give us an update on what Entergy is doing in our community, the changes they are making, and how those changes will affect us for the better.  Pam Williams, Eastern Region Lead Customer Service Manager, began the presentation by recognizing our own Club President Joe Domino and Past President Vernon Pierce as two people who had been both friends and mentors to her and how grateful she was to have worked alongside them.  She then gave us an update on the Advanced Meter Project.  Pam showed a video which explained the advantages of advanced metering and how the new technology builds 2-way communication between the customer and Entergy.  The project is well underway and should be complete in our area in early 2020.  The advanced meters will allow a customer to access their account online and to view their energy usage in 15-minute increments.  It will also allow Entergy to receive immediate notification of any power outages and to know precisely how many customers are affected.  All communication is via secure channels.  The website where customers can check their usage will be functional around October of this year.  Pam also let us know about a new power station near Willis which has come online.  It may seem that is far from here, but it will add power to the grid that will help our entire network.  Pam finished by explaining the meter installation process and how customers are notified.

 

Pam then turned the program over to Mark Delavan, Program Manager Commercial Solutions.  Mark spoke about how Commercial Solutions is helping businesses be more energy efficient in part by giving incentives replacing current systems with new, more efficient systems.  This applies to lighting, HVAC, roofing, and more.  Businesses can contact Entergy for an assessment and learn how they can take advantage of the program.  As an example he used Lamar University, which has been paid almost $74,000 in incentives and has realized an additional $77,000 in cost savings annually by taking advantage of the Commercial Solutions program.  Mark explained that there is also the Midstream Program which provides an avenue for discount purchases of energy-efficient equipment for both residential and commercial customers.

 

The 3rd speaker was Laurie Sapp, Lighting Sales Representative, who spoke about security lighting and incentives for more efficient updates.  Laurie said that Entergy can fix your dusk-to-dawn lighting needs with new LED or other lighting options.  Again, there are incentives in place to assist with the switch from non-electric to electric solutions with Entergy’s  Electric Technology Program.  Representatives from Entergy are available to do on-site consultations to help your business with solutions for outside lighting. 

 

All three speakers stated they were grateful to have the opportunity to speak to our Rotary Club and to outline the programs that Entergy has to help make us all more energy efficient and keep the lights on.