Entergy Provides Preliminary Third Quarter Earnings Guidance Reflecting Effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike

Entergy Corporation indicated that it expects third quarter 2008 as-reported earnings of approximately $2.40 per share and operational earnings of $2.49 per share compared to as-reported and operational results of $2.30 per share in third quarter 2007.

As-reported results are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are comprised of operational earnings (described below) and special items. As-reported earnings in third quarter 2008 will include a special item at Utility, Parent and Other for expenses associated with outside services provided during the quarter in connection with the non-utility nuclear spin-off transaction. Entergy had no special items included in earnings for third quarter 2007.

The increase in third quarter 2008 operational earnings is due primarily to higher earnings at Entergy Nuclear partially offset by lower results at Entergy’s Non-Nuclear Wholesale Assets business compared to third quarter 2007. In addition, Entergy’s earnings for the current period include the positive effect of accretion associated with the company’s share repurchase program.

The quarter on quarter increase in earnings at Entergy Nuclear is attributed to higher revenue primarily from higher energy pricing. Entergy’s Non-Nuclear Wholesale Assets business results for the current quarter include a decrease in earnings attributed to higher income tax expense associated with the redemption of an investment during the third quarter of 2008.

Utility, Parent and Other results in third quarter 2008 are essentially unchanged from earnings in third quarter 2007. The quarter on quarter results include the positive effect of lower income tax expense, which was offset by lower net revenue, including lower sales due to the effect of outages related to hurricanes Gustav and Ike and an unfavorable weather effect. Weather was warmer than normal in third quarter 2007 compared to 2008. The primary driver of the income tax variance at Parent/Other was the income tax benefit recognized in connection with the liquidation of Entergy Power Generation, L.L.C. on September 30, 2008.

Entergy affirmed previously issued as-reported and operational earnings guidance for 2008 to be in the range of $6.50 to $6.90 per share. Guidance for 2008 does not include a special item for expenses, a portion of which were incurred during second and third quarters, anticipated in connection with the non-utility nuclear spin-off transaction.

A teleconference will be held on October 28, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss Entergy’s third quarter 2008 earnings announcement, and may be accessed by dialing (719) 457-2080, confirmation code 3834525, no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. The call and presentation slides can also be accessed via Entergy’s Web site at http://www.entergy.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available for seven days thereafter by dialing (719) 457-0820, confirmation code 3834525.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 14,300 employees.