Entergy CEO Haley Fisackerly said issues that have left hundreds of thousands of Mississippians without power after past storms ripped through Mississippi presented lessons to be learned.
Many of those lessons could be put to the test this week as the National Weather Service is forecasting arctic temperatures and the potential of wintry weather, such as ice, sleet and even snow beginning Monday and lasting through Tuesday.
Any ice or snow could put power lines in peril and test Entergy’s response to the situation.
Darrell Woullard Jr., who serves as Entergy’s senior manager for northern region distribution operations, says the company and its team is already in preparation mode as the freezing precipitation could arrive on Monday and Tuesday. Freezing temps will begin Sunday.
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“Whenever we know there is going to a be a storm coming through, whether that is cold or frozen or otherwise, the first thing we do is to start patrolling our lines and look for anything that could cause problems,” Woullard said. “We make sure our system is up to par and we look at all vegetation (limbs and trees) that could cause problems and try to cut back where needed.”
Just a small amount of ice can increase the amount of weight on power lines and tree branches by as much as 30 times.
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“That can be as devastating as limbs being blown down by high winds in a thunderstorm. We are definitely keeping all of our crews on speed dial to respond to whatever circumstances arise,” he said.
Woullard went on to say that Entergy is already looking at predicted models for the storm and will make staffing decisions based on those models. He did say, however, early outlooks tend to change and his team will be flexible and ready to make changes at a moment’s notice.
“Right now, we are looking at cold temperature for the most part, and we will be monitoring it up until that point,” Woullard said. “But we are preparing. We are getting our trucks gassed up, and people are on call. We are prepared to work long days. It’s just a matter of knowing what is coming and when it is coming. We are watching.”
As far as the system, Woullard said he sees no reason Entergy would not be prepared.
“In all of my time with Entergy, I have never seen an issue with the grid and not being able to provide power to Mississippi,” he said, referring to Mississippians using more power for heating as the temperatures get colder. “Most of what we are going to see has to do with vegetation and working with lines throughout the region.”
Central District Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps said his office has already been in touch with “multiple public utilities” about the impacts of a winter storm early in the week.
“With the upcoming forecasted frigid weather, I urge all residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their homes,” Stamps said. “Ensure your pipes are insulated, your heating systems are functioning properly, and you have an emergency kit ready. Stay in touch with your utility providers for updates and report any outages immediately so we can work to restore power quickly. Let’s also check on our neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to make sure everyone stays safe”.
Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi eyes next winter storm: How Entergy safeguards power lines