Entergy Texas hosts inaugural Southeast Texas Energy Leadership Summit

THE WOODLANDS — It’s no secret that Texas is growing... and growing fast. In just one year, nearly half a million people relocated to the Lone Star State. The significant population boost means there is now a significant need for more power, as electricity is an essential part of our everyday lives.

The demand for more power is even greater in Southeast Texas, specifically the Entergy Texas service area. Harris and Montgomery counties are two of the state’s fastest- growing communities, and the Beaumont- Port Arthur-Orange market is one of the fastest-growing industrial areas in the entire country.

To help bring attention to this time- sensitive challenge, Entergy Texas hosted the inaugural Southeast Texas Energy Leadership Summit. The event connected over 200 industry, community and political leaders to discuss innovative solutions and collaborative approaches essential for meeting the region’s evolving energy needs.

“The summit provided an engaging platform to explore energy solutions that will help support the growth to come and continue to fuel economic prosperity in the region,” said Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. “Based on our own growth projections, there’s a need to increase the amount of power generation in our region by 40% in just four years.”

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry experts during panel discussions and hear from key decision- makers, including former U. S. Secretary of Energy and current President & CEO of the Edison Electric Institute, Dan Brouillette; Public Utility Commissioner of Texas, Kathleen Jackson; and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar. Each keynote speaker reiterated the critical need to develop an energy plan that supports the growing needs of our communities.

Those in attendance also received a preview of Entergy Texas’ Southeast Texas Energy Plan, also known as STEP Ahead. The six- step plan includes transmission, generation and resiliency investments aimed to strengthen the Southeast Texas power grid. Details of the comprehensive energy plan are expected to be announced in the coming months.

About Entergy Texas

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 512,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its operating companies across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Texas, visit the Newsroom and connect with @EntergyTX on social media.