Entergy

Request correction

Corporate brand

Unclaimed

An American electric utility holding company serving customers across the southern United States.

Last updated November 2, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile yet.

Overview

Entergy is an American energy company whose principal business is the generation, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the southern United States. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the company serves customers through regulated utility businesses in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, while also operating a non-utility nuclear generation business. Its service territory includes major population and industrial areas around Baton Rouge, Lafayette, New Orleans, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, and the Houston-area communities of Conroe, The Woodlands, and Kingwood. The company’s corporate history reaches back to the formation of Arkansas Power Company in 1913. Harvey C. Couch used sawmill waste as an early energy source while expanding electricity access in rural Arkansas. During the 1920s, Couch acquired and combined utilities in neighboring states, including Mississippi Power and Light and Louisiana Power and Light. In parallel, Electric Bond and Share Company, a General Electric subsidiary, consolidated New Orleans streetcar and electric businesses into New Orleans Public Service. The two expansion efforts were brought together in 1925 through Electric Power and Light Corporation, headquartered in New Orleans. Following the breakup of utility holding structures under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the operating companies were reorganized in 1949 under Middle South Utilities. The holding company adopted the Entergy name in 1989. It expanded its regulated footprint through the acquisition of Gulf States Utilities, whose Texas and Louisiana operations were integrated into the system at the beginning of 1994. The company later pursued international and unregulated expansion in the 1990s, acquiring or investing in assets in Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. Poor results and shareholder dissatisfaction led to a management change in 1998, after which Entergy divested many of those overseas holdings and refocused on its U.S. businesses. Entergy’s operations combine regulated electric utilities with nuclear generation. Its generating fleet has included natural-gas, nuclear, coal, oil, and hydroelectric facilities, supported by a large transmission network. The nuclear business has operated facilities including Arkansas Nuclear One, River Bend, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, and Palisades, although the portfolio has changed over time as plants closed or ownership and operating arrangements evolved. Entergy has also provided nuclear-related support services to other operators. The company’s history has been shaped by severe weather, regulatory scrutiny, market restructuring, and debates over the role of gas and nuclear generation. Hurricane Katrina temporarily displaced Entergy’s New Orleans headquarters workforce in 2005, but employees began returning to the city in 2006. In 2013, Entergy joined the Midcontinent Independent System Operator for its southern-region operations following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation concerning competitive practices. In New Orleans, a 2018 controversy over paid actors and artificial grassroots lobbying damaged the reputation of Entergy New Orleans and resulted in a $5 million city-council fine. Entergy remains a major U.S. utility company and a significant nuclear generator. Its brand is associated primarily with dependable electricity service, regulated infrastructure investment, energy generation, storm recovery, and public-policy debates affecting the Gulf South. The company has also promoted sustainability and electric-vehicle adoption, including a 2011 initiative with Coulomb Technologies to install complimentary charging stations at colleges in the southern United States.

History

Entergy’s roots lie in the early electrification of Arkansas and the lower Mississippi Valley. On November 13, 1913, Harvey C. Couch formed Arkansas Power Company and used sawdust from a lumber operation to help generate electricity for rural communities. Couch subsequently pursued a regional consolidation strategy. In 1923, four Mississippi utilities were combined into Mississippi Power and Light. Two years later, Louisiana Power and Light was created to supply Mississippi customers with electricity generated using resources from northern Louisiana. A parallel consolidation was led by Electric Bond and Share Company, a General Electric subsidiary associated with Sidney Z. Mitchell. It brought several New Orleans streetcar and electric businesses together as New Orleans Public Service. Couch and Mitchell eventually combined their interests, and in 1925 Electric Power and Light Corporation was established in New Orleans as the parent company of Arkansas Power and Light, Louisiana Power and Light, Mississippi Power and Light, and New Orleans Public Service. The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 challenged the structure of large utility holding systems. After litigation reached the U.S. Supreme Court and the holding-company structure was required to be dissolved, the four operating companies were treated as an integrated system and reorganized in 1949 under a new holding company, Middle South Utilities. This 1949 reorganization is the corporate foundation generally associated with Entergy. Middle South Utilities retained New Orleans as its headquarters and continued to operate through state-based utility subsidiaries. The company adopted the Entergy name in 1989 and expanded in 1994 by acquiring Gulf States Utilities. The transaction added operations in Texas and Louisiana and made Entergy a larger regional electricity company. Its later subsidiaries included Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and Entergy Nuclear. Gulf States’ Louisiana operations were subsequently merged into Entergy Louisiana in 2015. During the late 1990s, Entergy attempted to broaden its business beyond regulated U.S. utilities. It acquired or invested in substantial facilities in Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. The strategy produced shareholder dissatisfaction and contributed to a management shakeup in 1998. Wayne Leonard replaced Ed Lupberger as chief executive and led a retreat from many overseas holdings, returning the company’s strategic emphasis to its U.S. utility and generation businesses. Entergy’s physical operations include power plants fueled by natural gas, nuclear fuel, coal, oil, and water, as well as an extensive transmission network. The company has operated six nuclear units in its non-utility nuclear segment and has provided support services to other nuclear facilities. Its nuclear portfolio has included Arkansas Nuclear One in Arkansas, River Bend and Waterford in Louisiana, Grand Gulf in Mississippi, and Palisades in Michigan. Palisades closed in 2022, while other operating and service arrangements have changed over time. The company’s headquarters history reflects its long association with New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, approximately 1,500 headquarters employees and contractors were temporarily distributed among Clinton, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; and The Woodlands, Texas. Entergy began moving the workforce back to New Orleans in April 2006. Entergy has also faced questions about market structure and local development. In 2013, it placed its southern-region operations in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator following a Department of Justice investigation into competitive conduct. Critics argued that the arrangement and limited interconnection with neighboring systems could restrict access to lower-cost power and affect reliability. In 2018, Entergy New Orleans became the subject of a major public controversy after a contractor arranged paid actors to simulate grassroots support for a proposed gas plant in eastern New Orleans. The New Orleans City Council imposed a $5 million fine. Alongside its core utility operations, Entergy has promoted sustainability initiatives. It was reported as a recurring member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and was recognized by Forbes in 2008 for corporate trustworthiness based on governance and accounting-related criteria. In 2011, the company worked with Coulomb Technologies to provide free electric-vehicle charging stations at college campuses in the southern United States. Entergy remains an active U.S. electric utility and a substantial nuclear generator, with its brand centered on electricity reliability, regional infrastructure, generation assets, and regulated service.

2022
Palisades Nuclear Generating Station closes
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
The Palisades nuclear facility in Michigan, part of Entergy’s historical nuclear portfolio, closed in 2022.
2015
Gulf States Louisiana operations merge into Entergy Louisiana
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
The Louisiana operations inherited from Gulf States Utilities were merged into Entergy Louisiana.
2013
Southern operations join MISO
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Entergy transferred its southern-region market operations into the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
2005
Hurricane Katrina disrupts headquarters operations
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Entergy temporarily relocated its New Orleans headquarters workforce after the hurricane.
1994
Gulf States Utilities is acquired
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
The transaction expanded Entergy’s utility operations in Texas and Louisiana.
1989
The Entergy name is adopted
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Middle South Utilities changed its name to Entergy.
1949
Middle South Utilities is formed
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
The predecessor utility system was reorganized under Middle South Utilities following the breakup of the earlier holding-company structure.
1925
Electric Power and Light Corporation is established
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Couch’s regional utilities and New Orleans Public Service were brought under a new New Orleans-based parent company.
1923
Mississippi Power and Light is created
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Four Mississippi electric companies were combined into Mississippi Power and Light.
1913
Arkansas Power Company is formed
[1]Entergyen.wikipedia.org
Harvey C. Couch established Arkansas Power Company, the earliest predecessor identified in Entergy’s corporate history.

Products and positioning

A major regulated utility holding company and nuclear power operator serving the U.S. Gulf South.

Electric utility
Regulated electricity service
Entergy supplies retail electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers through state-based utility businesses in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. These businesses combine generation procurement or ownership with transmission, distribution, billing, storm restoration, and customer service. Entergy New Orleans serves the city of New Orleans, while the other subsidiaries cover broader state or regional territories.
Power generation
Nuclear generation
Entergy Nuclear has owned and operated nuclear generating units as part of the company’s non-utility generation business. Its historical and continuing portfolio has included Arkansas Nuclear One, River Bend, Waterford, and Grand Gulf, with other facilities such as Palisades changing status over time. Nuclear generation supplies firm, low-carbon electricity but is also subject to extensive safety, licensing, maintenance, and decommissioning requirements.
Energy infrastructure
Electric transmission and distribution
Entergy operates interconnected transmission and local distribution infrastructure across the Gulf South. The system connects generating facilities with communities, commercial customers, and industrial users over a broad multistate service territory. Transmission-market arrangements, reliability planning, storm hardening, and interconnection policy are important parts of the company’s operating model.
Clean energy infrastructure · 2011
Electric vehicle charging support
In 2011, Entergy partnered with Coulomb Technologies to donate electric-vehicle charging stations at 16 college campuses in the southern United States. The initiative positioned the utility as a participant in early regional charging infrastructure development.

Controversies

2021
Entergy sued over Hurricane Ida outages
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Entergy on behalf of business owners and Orleans Parish residents. The plaintiffs alleged that Entergy failed to address foreseeable risks to its equipment ahead of Hurricane Ida, and the petition said this led to mass blackouts.
Source
2021
NRC proposes $150,000 fine against Entergy
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a $150,000 fine against Entergy for three violations at River Bend Nuclear Station, including an exam proctor falsifying a test, an operator skimping on safety checks, and an unauthorized employee receiving an access key to a room with cybersecurity-related equipment. The reported violations occurred between 2018 and 2020.
Source
2021
Entergy apologizes for storm communications
After a winter storm left customers without power, Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May apologized for poor communication and said the company would endeavor to improve. May acknowledged that the company did not meet customer expectations for providing information.
Source
2021
Texas family sues Entergy and ERCOT over boy’s death during blackouts
A Houston-area couple sued Entergy, alleging gross negligence after their 11-year-old son died of hypothermia during the Texas blackouts. The suit also alleges that ERCOT was responsible and seeks more than $100 million in damages from ERCOT and Entergy; these are allegations, not a reported court determination.
Source
2018
Entergy New Orleans astroturfing controversy
Entergy New Orleans faced criticism after a subcontractor hired paid actors to lobby for a proposed gas plant while presenting the activity as community support. The New Orleans City Council fined the subsidiary $5 million.
Source

2018East New Orleans gas-plant lobbying campaign
New Orleans, Louisiana
A subcontractor used paid actors arranged through Crowds on Demand to create the appearance of grassroots public support for Entergy New Orleans’s proposed natural-gas plant.
Outcome. The campaign triggered a public scandal and a $5 million fine from the New Orleans City Council.
Source
2011College electric-vehicle charging station initiative
Southern United States
Entergy and Coulomb Technologies donated free electric-vehicle charging stations at 16 college sites, beginning with an installation at Louisiana State University.
Outcome. Charging infrastructure was installed for use by participating faculty and students.
Source

Brand decisions

2013
Join the Midcontinent Independent System OperatorStrategy
Background
Entergy’s market structure and competitive conduct were examined during a Department of Justice investigation.
Action taken
Entergy placed its southern-region operations within MISO rather than the Southwest Power Pool.
Aftermath
The move changed the market framework for Entergy’s southern utilities, while critics continued to debate transmission constraints, power costs, and reliability.
Source
1998
Refocus on U.S. utility operationsStrategy
Background
Entergy’s international expansion into Australia, Argentina, and the United Kingdom generated shareholder dissatisfaction.
Action taken
Following a leadership change, Wayne Leonard supervised the divestment of overseas holdings and redirected the company toward its U.S. businesses.
Aftermath
Entergy reduced its international exposure and concentrated more heavily on regulated utilities and domestic generation.
Source
1994
Acquire Gulf States UtilitiesM&A
Background
Entergy sought to expand its regulated utility footprint beyond its existing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Orleans businesses.
Action taken
Entergy acquired Gulf States Utilities and incorporated its Texas and Louisiana operations into the Entergy system.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Entergy’s customer base and service territory in the Gulf South.
Source
1989
Adopt the Entergy corporate identityStrategy
Background
The Middle South Utilities system had developed from several regional electric companies operating under separate historical identities.
Action taken
The holding company changed its name to Entergy and introduced a common corporate brand.
Aftermath
The Entergy identity became the umbrella brand for the company’s state utility subsidiaries and generation businesses.
Source

Recent events

2026.11.02
Reported2026.11.04
Entergy rolls out redesigned logo[7]Entergy推出重新设计的标志wbrz.com
Entergy redesigned its logos and rolled out the new look on Monday. The company also said it was launching a refreshed brand over the next several months.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2021.10.02
Reported2021.10.02
NRC proposes $150,000 fine against Entergy[4]NRC proposes $150,000 fine against Entergynuclear-news.net
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed a $150,000 fine against Entergy for three violations at River Bend Nuclear Station, including an exam proctor falsifying a test, an operator skimping on safety checks, and an unauthorized employee receiving an access key to a room with cybersecurity-related equipment. The reported violations occurred between 2018 and 2020.
2021.09
Reported2021.09.22
Entergy sued over Hurricane Ida outages[3]Entergy sued over Hurricane Ida outageswapt.com
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Entergy on behalf of business owners and Orleans Parish residents. Plaintiffs alleged that Entergy failed to address foreseeable risks to its equipment ahead of Hurricane Ida, and the petition said this led to mass blackouts.
2021.03.02
Reported2021.03.03
Six US utilities announce Electric Highway Coalition[8]美国六家公用事业公司宣布成立电动公路联盟finance.sina.com.cn
American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy, Southern Company and the Tennessee Valley Authority announced a plan to expand electric-vehicle charging stations along major highways across several US regions.
2021.02.25
Reported2026.10.30
Entergy apologizes for storm communications[5]Entergy apologizes for storm communicationswbrz.com
After a winter storm left customers without power, Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May apologized for poor communication and said the company would endeavor to improve. May acknowledged that the company did not meet customer expectations for providing information.
2021.02.24
Texas family sues Entergy and ERCOT over boy’s death during blackouts[6]Texas family sues Entergy and ERCOT over boy’s death during blackoutsnaturalnews.com
A Houston-area couple sued Entergy, alleging gross negligence after their 11-year-old son died of hypothermia during the Texas blackouts. The suit also alleges that ERCOT was responsible and seeks more than $100 million in damages from ERCOT and Entergy; these are allegations, not a reported court determination.
Unconfirmed
Entergy and Invenergy agree to co-develop renewable energy facilities[9]Entergy与Invenergy达成协议共同开发可再生能源设施pollutiononline.com
Entergy and Invenergy agreed to co-develop renewable energy facilities in the Gulf South region.
2020.02.19
Reported2020.02.19
Entergy initiates 2020 adjusted EPS guidance[10]Entergy启动2020年调整后每股收益指引prnewswire.com
Entergy initiated 2020 adjusted earnings-per-share guidance of $5.45 to $5.75 and affirmed its 2021–2022 outlooks.
2020.02.19
Reported2020.02.19
Entergy reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 results[10]Entergy启动2020年调整后每股收益指引prnewswire.com
Entergy reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 earnings. It reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.92 as reported and $0.68 adjusted, and full-year earnings per share of $6.30 as reported and $5.40 adjusted.
2019.10.30
Reported2019.10.30
Entergy raises and narrows 2019 earnings guidance[11]Entergy上调并收窄2019年盈利指引prnewswire.com
Entergy updated its 2019 adjusted EPS guidance range to $5.25 to $5.45 per share from $5.15 to $5.45, raising the midpoint by 5 cents and narrowing the range.

Sources20 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/entergy · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled