New Orleans Approved $23.6 Million Battery Plan
The city has authorized a new initiative to provide backup power to 800 homes and 200 local businesses.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The New Orleans City Council unanimously approved a $23.6 million neighborhood battery initiative funded by a settlement with Entergy New Orleans. This program will integrate individual battery systems into a virtual power plant to support 800 homes and 200 businesses.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to improve local resilience by providing reliable backup power during heat waves and grid strain. By creating a virtual power plant, the program also seeks to manage and reduce electricity demand during peak usage periods.
The Council passed Resolution R-26-421 to authorize the $23.6 million project. Notably, 40% of the funding is strictly reserved for low- and moderate-income households.
The players
New Orleans City Council
The local governing body responsible for municipal legislation, utility oversight, and citywide infrastructure initiatives.
Entergy New Orleans
The regional utility provider that supplies electricity to the area and was a party to the funding settlement.
The details
The initiative connects batteries installed at homes and businesses into a coordinated virtual power plant. This setup functions alongside existing Community Solar incentives under the broader Neighborhood Power Plan. By linking these systems, the city can discharge stored energy collectively to support the grid or provide individual backup power during outages.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The City Council approved the battery initiative.
The Home Front
The new battery initiative integrates with the city's existing Neighborhood Power Plan to modernize local grid reliance. It represents a significant shift toward decentralized, residential-scale storage rather than reliance solely on centralized utility infrastructure.
Residents should monitor local government updates regarding Resolution R-26-421 to see if their property qualifies for participation. If you are in a low- or moderate-income household, keep documentation handy as 40% of the initiative's funding is specifically earmarked for your demographic.
The takeaway
This program creates a virtual power plant to stabilize local energy during extreme weather events. Keep an eye on municipal bulletins for future enrollment opportunities, as the initiative specifically targets 800 residential homes for support.
Further reading
Learn more about how modern energy storage is changing household power in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Should your local government invest in home battery systems to improve community power grid reliability?
