After pump failures, SWBNO to rely on backup power for future storms
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The SWBNO power complex came online in December 2025. Photo: Courtesy of SWBNO
The equipment that pumps water out of New Orleans during major storms will rely on backup power for the foreseeable future, Sewerage and Water Board officials recently told City Council.
Why it matters: The new, $300 million SWBNO power complex doesn't seem to have been configured in line with how Entergy provides power.
Catch up quick: For years, officials have said the new Uptown power complex would revolutionize how water moves around and out of New Orleans.
- "It will be a total, total game changer and it will bring … peace of mind," former SWBNO executive director Ghassan Korban told Axios New Orleans in early 2025.
- Because core SWBNO equipment is so old, the utility was never previously able to plug into the local power grid. The power station changed that by transforming Entergy New Orleans' electricity into something usable by SWBNO.
Yes, but: It turns out the new SWBNO equipment wasn't configured in anticipation of low voltage sags — or short drops in power, which Entergy New Orleans says commonly occur.
- As a result, seven pump stations and three potable water pumps lost power during Tropical Storm Arthur, according to SWBNO's City Council presentation June 30.
How it works: The power complex was built to expect voltage deliveries between 90% and 110% of what's typical, and it'll shut itself off if voltage dips below 80%.
- During Tropical Storm Arthur, voltage sagged to 72%, SWBNO general superintendent Kaitlin Tymrak said.
- "The Entergy side and our substation never lost power," Entergy New Orleans vice president Sharonda Williams told City Council. "Voltage sags are common on the ground. That is why power quality standards for Entergy are on our website for any customer ... to review them."
Zoom in: SWBNO has since dropped the shutoff threshold on its equipment to withstand a sag to 70%, which would have kept things running during Tropical Storm Arthur. But, for now, the water utility will rely on its own backup power "during periods of increased risk."
- "We want to assure you our power system is still significantly improved from relying on older turbines and that we are still in a much better position than previous years going into hurricane season," SWBNO executive director Randy Hayman said to City Council.
What we're watching: SWBNO and Entergy New Orleans "have jointly retained an independent firm to review the settings in place, historical power trends, and provide recommendations on appropriate adjustments" for the future, said Entergy New Orleans CEO Deanna Rodriguez in a press release.
- That review is underway, Entergy New Orleans spokesman Beau Tidwell says, and the utilities are splitting the cost. It's not yet clear when the firm's recommendations are due.