Press Releases

New Orleans, LA - Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) and our contractors are making progress towards a major milestone for the Power Complex. The first of three frequency changers is now expected to be operational and powering drainage pumps in August. SFC-1, which has the ability to provide up to 22MW of 25hz power, is a critical step to replacing outdated and unreliable 25-hz power generation equipment, including Turbine 4 and the EMDs.  We also expect to be able to use 60-hz power from the new substation in August.

This key piece of infrastructure was initially targeted for final testing and commissioning in mid-July. However, the contractor has advised that additional time is required to safely complete essential testing and commissioning activities.  This is a critical step to ensure reliability of the power system.

Additionally, Entergy and their contractors have been on-site this week to carry out the final steps necessary to physically and electrically connect the new substation to SWBNO’s equipment.

“While this progress is indeed significant, it is critical that this equipment undergo several weeks of robust testing and commissioning before we fully transition over to this new power source,” said SWBNO Interim Executive Director M. Ron Spooner. “These steps will ensure the safety and long-term reliability of the new power system.”

SWBNO and the contractor are working collaboratively to meet the following major milestones leading up to the utilization of SFC-1 to provide power for drainage pumps:

• Entergy substation connections
• Electrical switchgear commissioning
• SFC-1 equipment testing
• SFC-1 testing using a simulated load

Additionally, the current schedule as provided by the contractor to be able to utilize the remaining equipment has been revised:

• SFC-2 – October 2025
• SFC-3 – October 2025
• Turbine 7 – November 2025

To support this timeline, the contractor has been instructed to accelerate planning and execution efforts. We understand the importance of the Power Complex and are working diligently to bring this equipment online to ensure a reliable and resilient power source for our drainage system. 

SWBNO will provide a detailed update to the City Council on July 17, 2025, and we commit to continue to provide regular updates from now until the completion of the project.

Please see our Pumping and Power Dashboard for full pumping and power equipment status. 

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