Entergy Preparing for Gustav

NEWS RELEASE FROM ENTERGY

Beaumont, Texas - Entergy Texas, Inc. is closely monitoring Hurricane Gustav as the storm moves toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Although the path and landfall of the storm remains uncertain, all of Entergy's utility companies are preparing for the possibility that the storm could affect parts of the companies' service territories.

Should the storm impact Southeast Texas or areas of Louisiana, it could cause widespread and extended power outages. Once the storm's path and predicted landfall area become more clear, Entergy companies' crews and contractors will be staged near the predicted landfall area. They will be prepared to work as soon as it is safe to do after the storm passes, restoring service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible.

Entergy Texas, Inc. urges customers to monitor the storm and to prepare to implement their own storm plans if needed. The companies also remind customers to stay away from downed power lines and to call 1-800-9OUTAGE toll free.

Tips to follow before the storm:

Inside the Home

•·        Stock up on nonperishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food. Keep a first-aid kit and manual handy. Have a non-electric can opener on hand.

•·        Purchase bottled water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day.

•·        Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc. Buy extra batteries.

•·        Keep extra cash on hand, since an electrical power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from automatic teller machines or banks.

•·        Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, this will keep food fresh longer. Keep the refrigerator closed - most food will stay frozen or fresh up to 12 hours.

•·        Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics.

•·        Place critical documents such as birth certificates, insurance documents, special pictures, etc., in a safe box.

Outside the Home

•·        Trim trees that are NOT near power lines and clear debris. Once a hurricane warning is announced, trash pickup is suspended.

•·        Fill your vehicle's gas tank.

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to 395,000 customers in 26 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corp. is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 14,300 employees.

Entergy Texas' Web address is  www.entergy-texas.com