Entergy Texas partners with Kinder Morgan to bolster Southeast Texas energy supply

Entergy Texas has announced a landmark partnership with Kinder Morgan and Golden Pass LNG to bolster the region’s energy supply and fuel its rapid economic expansion. The agreement, a critical component of the $1.7 billion Trident Intrastate Pipeline project, will enhance natural gas availability for industrial, commercial, and residential consumers across Southeast Texas. As energy demand rises, this strategic initiative is expected to ensure a stable, cost-effective, and sustainable natural gas supply for decades to come.

The Trident Intrastate Pipeline, spanning 216 miles, will transport natural gas from the Permian Basin and other sources at the Katy hub to the industrial and liquefied natural gas (LNG) corridor near Port Arthur, Texas. With Southeast Texas experiencing significant growth, this development is expected to alleviate existing supply constraints while reinforcing the reliability of the regional power grid.

How Will the Natural Gas Supply Agreement Impact Southeast Texas?

The partnership between Entergy Texas, Kinder Morgan, and Golden Pass LNG is designed to address the region’s increasing energy demands by enhancing fuel supply security. The agreement plays a pivotal role in Entergy Texas’ Southeast Texas Energy Plan (STEP Ahead), a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding generation capacity, fortifying transmission infrastructure, and supporting the state’s economic growth.

According to Eliecer Viamontes, President and CEO of Entergy Texas, securing a stable and sustainable fuel supply is fundamental to strengthening the energy landscape in Southeast Texas. By leveraging the new pipeline infrastructure, the company aims to deliver long-term value to both consumers and businesses while maintaining affordable energy rates.

The agreement brings multiple benefits, including lower energy costs for customers, enhanced grid reliability, energy infrastructure development, and economic expansion. By accessing competitive natural gas markets through the Katy hub, Entergy Texas can optimize fuel costs and pass savings on to consumers. A stable fuel supply ensures the resilience of the power grid, particularly for key power plants such as the proposed Legend and Lone Star Power Stations. The Trident Pipeline strengthens Entergy Texas’ operational flexibility and supports the company’s underground natural gas storage facilities at Spindletop. Additionally, a reliable energy supply attracts industrial investment, driving job creation and long-term regional development.

What Role Does the Trident Intrastate Pipeline Play in Energy Security?

Set to be operational by early 2027, the Trident Intrastate Pipeline is expected to transport approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with future expansion potential reaching up to 2.8 billion cubic feet per day. This added capacity will provide crucial energy security for Texas’ growing industrial base and LNG facilities.

The pipeline will play a central role in meeting the power needs of industrial and residential consumers in Southeast Texas, reinforcing the region’s position as an energy hub. By ensuring a diverse and stable natural gas supply, the project will help mitigate supply disruptions and enhance the overall resilience of Texas’ power infrastructure.

Sital Mody, President of Natural Gas at Kinder Morgan, emphasized the importance of the pipeline in meeting the state’s increasing energy demand. He noted that the Trident project is designed to support industrial expansion, LNG exports, and power generation needs, ensuring a consistent and cost-efficient natural gas supply for years to come.

Golden Pass LNG, a key partner in the agreement, also benefits from the enhanced fuel supply. Jeff Hammad, Chief Commercial Officer for Golden Pass LNG, highlighted that the project aligns with the company’s mission to be a premier supplier of LNG from North America, reinforcing its global export capabilities.

How Does Entergy Texas’ STEP Ahead Plan Address Growing Energy Needs?

The STEP Ahead plan is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at increasing generation capacity by 1,600 megawatts by 2028, a 40% expansion over the company’s current capacity. As energy demand continues to rise, Entergy Texas is implementing strategic measures to ensure a reliable and cost-effective power supply for consumers.

The plan focuses on accelerating power generation, ensuring around-the-clock dispatchable energy, diversifying energy sources, and modernizing the transmission grid. Entergy Texas is actively pursuing approvals to expand its power generation capacity to meet growing electricity demands. New natural gas power plants will incorporate advanced technologies such as carbon capture and hydrogen compatibility to support future energy needs. The company is adopting an “all-of-the-above” strategy, integrating renewables with natural gas to create a balanced and sustainable energy mix. Grid modernization efforts include upgrading transmission infrastructure to enhance power distribution and improve system reliability, particularly during extreme weather events.

As part of the STEP Ahead strategy, Entergy Texas is also leveraging partnerships to develop innovative energy solutions that meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. The plan is designed to maintain energy affordability while ensuring Texas remains a competitive location for industrial investment and economic growth.

Why Is Natural Gas Essential for Southeast Texas’ Economic Development?

Natural gas remains a cornerstone of Texas’ energy economy, powering industries, residential developments, and infrastructure expansion. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, Southeast Texas requires a secure and scalable fuel supply to sustain its economic momentum.

The Entergy Texas-Kinder Morgan partnership represents a proactive approach to ensuring long-term energy security. By expanding pipeline infrastructure and reinforcing fuel supply reliability, the collaboration supports both current energy needs and future demand growth.

With the Trident Intrastate Pipeline project set to come online in the coming years, Entergy Texas is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving energy landscape, strengthening the foundation for continued economic and industrial expansion.

A Major Step Toward Energy Security and Growth

The agreement between Entergy Texas, Kinder Morgan, and Golden Pass LNG marks a major milestone in securing the region’s energy future. As demand for reliable, affordable power continues to rise, strategic investments in natural gas infrastructure will play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability and fostering economic growth.

With the Trident Intrastate Pipeline set to become a key energy artery for Southeast Texas, the collaboration underscores the importance of long-term planning in sustaining a resilient and competitive energy market. As Entergy Texas moves forward with its STEP Ahead initiative, the company remains committed to delivering innovative energy solutions that benefit both consumers and businesses across the region.