Strengthening the grid: Composite poles showcase the importance of resiliency investments

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Strengthening the grid: Composite poles showcase the importance of resiliency investments

10/02/2024

Advanced composite poles withstand hurricane-level weather conditions, providing reliable power and a stronger energy future for Southeast Texas

Entergy Texas is transforming the power grid on the Bolivar Peninsula, investing $110 million in a multi-phase projectto enhance reliability and meet rising energy demands. A crucial part of this effort is the introduction of composite poles-an advanced alternative to traditional wooden poles. These poles, made from durable, engineered materials and supplied by Resilient Structures, are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes and wildfires, making them a critical component of the region's infrastructure upgrade.

"When constructing new infrastructure in an area like the Bolivar Peninsula, which regularly faces harsh weather, we utilize every technology available to build a system that can endure hurricane-level conditions," says Jim Nicholson, project manager for the Bolivar Peninsula Reliability Project. "Composite poles are a proven technology that hold up to the most severe weather conditions."

Real-world success: Hurricane Beryl's Impact

In July 2024, Hurricane Berylswept through the Bolivar Peninsula with winds reaching 90 mph, testing the resilience of the composite poles. The storm knocked 16 wooden poles out of service, but every composite pole remained standing, requiring little to no maintenance from Entergy Texas crews.

"When distribution poles stand tall following a severe event, it allows more time for our crews to quickly and safely restore power to affected communities," said Dustin Shillings, operations coordinator for Entergy Texas.

Composite poles stand tall along the Bolivar Peninsula following Hurricane Beryl.

Local businesses benefit from resiliency investments

The improvements to the Bolivar Peninsula's electrical grid were a welcome relief for local business owners like Brad Vratis, owner of the Stingaree Restaurant & Marina. His business received over three feet of water during Hurricane Beryl, and while power to his area went out, he was thankful for a quick restoration due to much of the surrounding distribution system remaining intact.

"Entergy Texas is progressing faster with all the infrastructure they're installing in my area, and it made a huge difference following Beryl," said Vratis. "It's a big deal to be able to turn the lights on and have air conditioning as soon as possible following that kind of event. Entergy Texas' response from day one was clean and complete."

Our plan for a more resilient energy future

As severe weather events in Texas become more frequent, the need for a resilient power grid is more urgent than ever. EntergyTexas developed a comprehensive strategy labeled the Texas Future Ready Resiliency Plan to better protect the Southeast Texas grid from extreme weather and support the region's growing energy needs. Phase I of the plan was submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for approval in June of this year, prior to Hurricane Beryl. If approved, the investments included are projected to save $129 million in storm restoration costs and reduce power outage durations by 4.5 billion minutes over the next 50 years.

Learn moreabout how Entergy Texas is preparing the power grid for the future and ensuring reliable service for Southeast Texas.