New Orleans Power Station
| Company type | Power station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Headquarters | New Orleans , United States |
| Products | Electricity |
| Owner | Entergy New Orleans |
The New Orleans Power Station is a natural gas-powered facility situated in New Orleans. It is managed by Entergy New Orleans and overseen by the New Orleans City Council. Positioned at the base of the Paris Road Bridge within New Orleans East, this plant's reciprocating engine units collectively provide a capacity of .
History
In 2017, Entergy introduced plans for this facility next to the former Michoud Power Station units 2 and 3. Advertised as a peaking power plant, it includes black start functionality designed to rapidly reestablish electricity supply even if all eight transmission lines supplying the city were compromised. Nevertheless, critics highlighted that significant storm damage could also disrupt the city's distribution network, potentially reducing the plant’s operational impact. Opposition arose among local communities, especially in the predominantly Black and Vietnamese-American neighborhood of New Orleans East, due to concerns about flood hazards at its site near key waterways.
Distinct from most utilities in Louisiana, retail electricity regulation in New Orleans falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the City Council. Entergy encountered controversy after engaging a public relations agency that compensated actors to advocate for the project during council sessions; this led to a $5 million penalty for the company. Despite resistance, the project received approval and was financed through increases in consumer rates. The Michoud station ceased operations on June 1, 2016, and the New Orleans Power Station commenced service on May 31, 2020.
On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida inflicted severe damage on all eight transmission lines supplying New Orleans, resulting in a blackout spanning from New Orleans to LaPlace, Venice, and Grand Isle. Entergy intended to supply essential power using 230 MW generated by the New Orleans Power Station along with 400 MW from Ninemile Point Power Station located in Bridge City. Nevertheless, power restoration took nearly 48 hours until a transmission line from Slidell was reactivated, delivering regional electricity through Midcontinent Independent System Operator. By September 6, Entergy had restored power to 70% of customers and reached 98% restoration by September 9. The delayed activation of the New Orleans Power Station led to an inquiry by the city council. Entergy asserts that coordinating restoration efforts through the Slidell line alongside the plant was more efficient than islanding alone, which involves risks related to load imbalance.