The answer: six steps to serve our customers better
In May 2024, Entergy Texas introduced the integrated Southeast Texas Energy Plan, or STEP Ahead, to support the company’s growing customer base and energy needs. The six-step plan aims to add 1,600 megawatts of generation capacity to the Entergy Texas power grid by 2028 by immediately building sufficient 24/7 dispatchable power generation and adopting an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy sources inclusive of renewables. The multiyear plan also includes upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure to deliver reliable power to fast-growing areas and strengthening the grid to withstand extreme weather events – all while working to keep customer rates affordable.
The key components of STEP Ahead include:
Step 1: Keep rates affordable.
Our priority is to maintain affordable electricity rates for Southeast Texas residents. As we move forward with this plan, we aim to keep residential rates below the national average. This focus on affordability demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers responsibly, even as we expand and modernize our energy infrastructure. By managing costs effectively, we strive to balance the need for growth with the importance of keeping energy accessible for everyone.
Step 2: Build more power generation immediately.
We are accelerating efforts to produce more electricity for our growing communities in Southeast Texas. Our plan includes submitting a comprehensive proposal to the Public Utility Commission of Texas to expand our current generation capacity with new power plants. This initiative aims for a 40% increase in capacity by 2028, ensuring that we can meet the growing energy needs of the region.
Step 3: Ensure sufficient 24/7 dispatchable power.
To provide reliable, around-the-clock energy, we are capitalizing on the existing infrastructure in Southeast Texas by building two new natural gas power plants. These plants will be designed with future-proof technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen capabilities. This strategic investment not only helps meet the region’s energy needs but also supports sustainability goals and positions us to comply with evolving federal regulations. We are committed to building not just more power facilities, but smarter ones that are ready for the future.
Step 4: Provide the benefits of an “all-of-the-above” power generation plan.
A well-rounded energy generation plan protects customers from price fluctuations and meets the needs of businesses seeking sustainable power solutions. By diversifying our energy sources—including natural gas, renewables and other options—we can create a more stable energy market in Southeast Texas. This “all-of-the-above” approach not only enhances service reliability but also makes the region more attractive to businesses, contributing to long-term economic growth and development.
Step 5: Route power to where it’s needed.
As Southeast Texas grows, so does the need for a more robust transmission network. We are upgrading current transmission lines and constructing new ones to ensure power can reach the areas experiencing the most rapid growth. While most Texans rely on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid, Entergy Texas operates under the Midcontinent Independent System Operator grid. Our MISO membership allows us to import power from neighboring states during emergencies, providing an additional layer of reliability, especially during extreme weather.
Step 6: Protect the power grid from extreme weather.
We are committed to safeguarding the power grid from severe weather through a multiyear resiliency plan. This initiative aims to reduce the length and costs of weather-related outages by strengthening the grid’s infrastructure. By tapping into available grants from the Texas Energy Fund and federal programs, we plan to make these investments in a cost-effective manner. These improvements will help ensure that our communities have access to safe, reliable and sustainable power, even during challenging weather events.
