NEW ORLEANS - On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Utility and Public Works Committees held a meeting where members received multiple presentations on hurricane season preparedness. This presentation was conducted by representatives from the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), Entergy New Orleans (ENO), Delta Utilities, and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO).
The Committee also considered several resolutions and motions pertaining to emergency communication plans, energy efficiency plans, utility outage analytics, and other related matters. Additionally, members reviewed contracts regarding emergency debris removal.
2025 Hurricane Season Preparedness Updates
Multiple departments provided updates on their hurricane season preparedness efforts for 2025. NOHSEP announced that the Smoothie King Center will serve as a parish pickup point, and all Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus stops will also function as pickup locations during a significant storm. For labeled maps and a detailed assisted evacuation timeline, you can view the full presentation here.
ENO followed up with a storm readiness presentation, outlining the estimated timelines for power restoration in the event of a hurricane. For a Category 1 storm, approximately 70% of customers can expect power restoration within two to three days, although some areas may take up to seven days, depending on the severity of the damage. In the case of a Category 4 storm, about 70% of customers may have power restored in seven to 11 days, with some areas potentially taking up to three weeks. For more details, click to view ENO’s full presentation here.
Delta Utilities then provided updates on their hurricane preparedness efforts, especially following the transfer of natural gas services in New Orleans from Entergy. Delta Utilities reported that they have retained experienced staff from Entergy and have established effective emergency response protocols. To see their full presentation, click here.
Finally, SWBNO briefed the Committee on their hurricane preparedness updates. Currently, 85 out of 93 major drainage pumps are operational. Both SWBNO representatives and Committee members emphasized the importance of keeping drainage catch basins clear of debris during hurricane season and encouraged residents to sign up for NOLA Ready text alerts by texting NOLAREADY to 77295. Interested individuals can view the full presentation here.
Committee Forwards Several Energy-related Resolutions and Motions
The Joint Committee recommended several resolutions for approval related to energy usage and utility services. A resolution directing ENO to develop and submit an emergency communications plan was suggested for approval. Additionally, a request was made to establish a procedural schedule for evaluating ENO’s Application for Approval of the Implementation Plan for Energy Smart Program Years 16-18. Additionally, a resolution to address procedural schedules for reviewing proposed revisions to Chapter 158 of the Code of Ordinances was recommended for approval.
Furthermore, the Joint Committee recommended two motions for approval. The first motion would authorize the Council Utilities Regulatory Office (CURO) to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an administrative hearing officer to oversee utility regulatory proceedings. The second motion would authorize CURO to issue an RFQ for an outside consultant to provide services for tracking and analyzing data related to utility service outages.
Multiple 18-Month Debris Removal Service Contracts Up for Approval
The Joint Committee also recommended several 18-month debris removal service contracts for approval. The first two contracts are between the City and Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC, for Zones 1 and 2, costing $3,986,671 and $4,001,296, respectively. The third contract is with Looks Great Services of MS, Inc., for Zone 3, totaling approximately $3,967,715.
To view the meeting, click here or on YouTube.