Entergy Announces Intent to Join MISO

Integration Would Create Country's Largest RTO

Entergy Corporation announced today its intent to join the MISO (Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator) as a fully integrated transmission owning member. Entergy’s integration, if approved by regulators, would expand the MISO footprint to Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The Entergy region will add about 15,000 miles of transmission lines and 30,000 megawatts of generation capacity to the MISO footprint. The new MISO footprint will extend from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

Independent analysis, as well as analysis completed by MISO, show that the Entergy region will benefit from joining MISO. These benefits flow from improved transmission reliability, more efficient use of existing electric system assets and a reduced need for future generation assets.

The combined footprint also will benefit from increased electrical generation diversity. The MISO will feature an improved mix of generation assets, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, wind, biomass and other sources. The addition of Entergy’s generation portfolio will bring more options to the region for the commitment and dispatch of energy.

The move will need to be approved by elected officials and regulators in each of Entergy’s jurisdictions. The Entergy operating companies are Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Entergy Texas, Inc. The integration has a targeted implementation date of December 2013. (MISO Press Release)

About MISO

The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator ensures reliable operation of, and equal access to, interconnected, high-voltage power lines in 13 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. The Midwest ISO manages one of the world's largest energy markets, clearing more than $27 billion in energy transactions in 2010. The Midwest ISO was approved as the nation's first regional transmission organization in 2001. The non-profit 501(C)(4) organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors, and is headquartered in Carmel, IN with operations centers in Carmel and St. Paul, MN. Membership in the organization is voluntary.