Pike Electric Corporation, one of the nation's largest providers of outsourced electric distribution and transmission services, today announced that Pike crews continue to restore power in Florida. At the same time, additional Pike crews are mobilizing to various Gulf state locations. Katrina's powerful 140 mph winds caused major devastation to several Gulf state locations. It will take several days for many of the utilities to determine the total impact to their systems. Initial reports from some areas are that some of the smaller electrical cooperatives are 100% without power. Phone service is limited in the hardest hit areas.

Pike has mobilized crews from every available source to combat the massive power outages in the Gulf States. Pike crews from Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma are involved in restoration efforts. Pike has approximately 2,800 crew members, supervision, and support staff involved in restoration efforts. Restoration efforts are projected to be completed in Florida late this week. Once these crews are released, they will join the other Pike crews engaged in the Gulf state's restoration efforts. The Pike Storm Center will remain open 24/7 until restoration efforts are complete and crews arrive at their home locations.