January 9, 2023
Hurricane Laura Storm Response
Hurricane Laura decimated Entergy’s transmission system on the gulf coast of Louisiana. Entergy awarded 10 transmission lines of varying voltages (69kV-500kV) to Quanta for an emergency rebuild. Highlighted below are two of the more critical projects
- Two 500kV transmission lines – The most significant of Entergy’s damaged transmission lines were two 500kV lines that serve as the electrical backbone for the state of Louisiana. In addition to Entergy’s customers these lines feed multiple co-ops and several of the gulf coast’s largest refineries. Sixty-eight (68) structures along 11-miles of 500kV transmission line were destroyed. Quanta assisted Entergy in damage assessment, resourcing essential construction labor and equipment for the safe removal of the compromised towers and wire. The team also oversaw the staging, delivery and handling of all new structures and accessories, as well as the construction to restore the system, including adjacent 230kV, 138kV, and 69kV lines. A project of this size typically requires at least 8 to 9 months of careful planning, design, ROW, and procurement. Then, another 3 to 4 months to clear the damage and complete construction. Even with the effects of a 2nd hurricane near the construction areas, the Quanta team had Entergy’s lines ready to energize in under 40 days.
- Mud Lake to Sabine 230KV – a critical line that serves one of Entergy’s largest industrial customers. This line had numerous challenges when it was handed over to Quanta in early September. Most of the line could only be accessed by barge or airboat and the intercoastal crossing needed to be completely rebuilt. Landowner issues, significant material delays, as well as two hurricane evacuations and added scope following a direct hit from a second hurricane threatened the progress of this critical line. Despite these numerous issues the Quanta team had the line back in-service 39 days ahead of schedule.
