Increased Sales Expectations for 2024
Q: Why have sales expectations for 2024 increased?
A: Sales expectations for 2024 have increased across customer classes due to expected strong performance from industrial customers, notably a significant new customer in Mississippi driving economic opportunities. The company continues to refine forecasts as it moves from the preliminary EEI plan into quarter end. Additionally, unplanned outages and slower ramp rates in 2023 mean the uplift in 2024 is partly a catch-up. "

Industrial Load Growth Outlook
Q: What's the expected industrial load growth ahead?
A: The company anticipates an industrial load growth of 6% to 7% CAGR through 2026. The projected 8% growth in 2024 stems from a lower base in 2023 due to unplanned outages and slower ramp rates. Growth may be uneven but is expected to remain strong over the outlook period. "

Capital Expenditure Plans
Q: Will higher load growth lead to increased CapEx?
A: The capital plan is similar to what was presented at EEI, with an addition of a couple hundred million dollars. The company is refining and prioritizing capital investments around customer needs, including potential additions in transmission and clean energy. By Analyst Day, they plan to present a five-year capital outlook and discuss managing all capital requirements. "

SERI Settlement Discussions
Q: Is there a timeline for resolving SERI issues?
A: There is no set timeline for resolving SERI issues in Louisiana and New Orleans, but discussions are ongoing. The company is exploring how a SERI settlement might benefit customers, potentially enhancing their ability to fund resiliency investments, similar to settlements reached in Mississippi and Arkansas. "

Resilience CapEx and Recovery Mechanisms
Q: Is new resilience CapEx part of existing plans?
A: The capital plan includes close to $1 billion in resilience spending over the period. The filings in Louisiana and New Orleans request more than what's currently included. The company has sought accelerated recovery mechanisms to potentially increase spending, which could provide additional capital opportunities depending on approval. "

Infrastructure for Mississippi Customer
Q: Any estimates for infrastructure needs in Mississippi?
A: While no specific estimates have been provided, the company has added capital in Mississippi to support the significant new customer and ensure the provision of clean energy. The capital plan continues to be refined to support customer requirements. "

Solar Investments and RFP Breakdown
Q: How much of the $2B solar is through current RFPs?
A: The precise breakdown isn’t available, but a substantial portion of the $2 billion solar investment isn’t necessarily going through current RFPs, especially in Arkansas and Mississippi. A significant amount is involved, but exact figures are not specified. "

Tax Item from Audit Resolution
Q: How does the tax audit resolution impact finances?
A: The tax item relates to the resolution of the 2016 to 2018 audit. Effects were adjusted out of earnings per share, and there is no significant cash impact, as net operating losses and tax deposits covered it. Therefore, there’s no real cash benefit to shareholders or ratepayers. "