Entergy Marks 20 Years Since Katrina and Rita with Community Service and Resilience Stories


09/02/2025


This year marks two decades since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast. Katrina, one of the deadliest and most destructive storms in U.S. history, struck on August 29, 2005, leaving New Orleans largely underwater and much of the region battered by powerful winds and flooding.

Less than a month later, on September 24, Hurricane Rita made landfall near the Louisiana-Texas border, compounding the hardship for communities still recovering from Katrina. Together, the storms left 1.9 million of our 2.7 million customers without electricity, with Katrina alone impacting around 37,000 square miles — nearly one-third of our service territory.

In the 20 years since, we’ve worked to build a stronger, more resilient grid and have remained committed to supporting our customers and the communities we serve. The challenges of the past have shaped us, and today we’re more prepared than ever to power the future. Our dedication to investing in people, infrastructure, and neighborhoods continues to define who we are.

Honoring Two Decades Through Service
Over the last 20 years, our employees have contributed 1.6 million volunteer hours across our four-state region.

To honor the anniversary of the 2005 hurricane season, Entergy is partnering with Rebuilding Together for a special day of service on August 29. Employee volunteers will assist with home repairs and energy efficiency improvements for five households in New Orleans, helping to restore and strengthen the communities at the heart of the city.

In addition, our local teams will collaborate with Green Light New Orleans to provide and install 20 rain barrels for residents in flood-prone neighborhoods, offering practical support while commemorating this milestone.

Stories of Resilience
Throughout the coming month, we’ll share a video series reflecting on the journey from 2005 to today. The first episode, During the Storm, features Entergy team members recounting their experiences during those historic hurricanes — stories of resilience, preparation, and perseverance that continue to inspire our mission.

Click here to know more.