Entergy 2015 Annual Report Download - page 22

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22
Clear vision, clear progress.
2015 Integrated Report
Utility
ENVIRONMENTAL/RECOGNITION
Entergy was named a 2015 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation, which helps promote
the dual goals of delivering safe, reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community forests.
We also educate customers on the important role trees play in their personal energy efficiency
efforts by providing shade in high power demand months.
Electric Distribution
We are exploring new grid technologies to improve resilience, enhance reliability, lower cost and improve
customer service. We are moving forward with steps toward the installation of smart meters to benefit
our customers and expect to begin to make regulatory filings in 2016, where necessary. Smart meters
facilitate operational efficiencies, enable faster outage response and empower customers with information
to better understand and control their usage. In addition, smart meters lay the foundation for the next
generation of grid technologies on our system. We are evaluating broader grid modernization initiatives,
engaging with our stakeholders and bringing forward further proposals as appropriate.
We are also exploring technologies to improve grid reliability and resilience through storm hardening
and wildlife protection, as well as technologies and devices that enable deployment of distributed energy
resources and micro grids. Our goal is to meet customer expectations for service now and in the future
while managing the required investments to maintain our rate advantage.
Gas Distribution
Our gas distribution business delivers natural gas to about 199,000
retail customers in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In New Orleans,
in the 10 years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, we have
replaced more than 300 miles of pipe as of 2015, and rebuilding
continues. In Baton Rouge, we began a gas pipeline replacement
program in 2015 to replace 100 miles of pipe over the next 10 years
to improve safety and reliability.
Commercial Development and Innovation
To bring a constant focus on evaluating and integrating new technologies into our operating model,
we have created a team dedicated to this vision. Our Commercial Development and Innovation team will
focus on addressing customer needs through product and service innovation, technology deployment and
alternative service models. Work will focus on evaluating and integrating rapidly evolving technologies
such as distributed generation, utility and community solar, micro-grids and battery storage, among others.
In addition, the new department will also research and develop the enabling technologies that enhance the
distribution grid and provide higher service and reliability to customers, such as smart meters, advanced
grid automation and grid infrastructure hardening.