Documents released to the city council cast doubt on Entergy’s contention that it didn’t know supporters would be paid to show up at public meetings to promote the power plant. An Entergy employee was told of allegations three times, as early as October. Documents also contradict the PR firm’s contention that it didn’t know, either.
A public-relations firm billed Entergy New Orleans about $55,000 to bring supporters of a new power plant to two public meetings. Some of those people were actors. Documents turned over to the city council raise questions about Entergy's claim that it didn't know supporters would be paid.
The investigation will "dig as deep as humanly possible" into the astroturfing campaign, said Council President Jason Williams.
The council has asked Entergy to preserve evidence of its astroturfing campaign.
The company said it has ended its relationship with The Hawthorn Group. It hired Crowds on Demand, which hired the actors.
