TNMP late today completed restoration of electrical service to virtually all homes and businesses in Friendswood, League City, West Columbia, Sweeny, Angleton, Holiday Lakes, Bailey's Prairie and Hillcrest Village. Exceptions are homes and businesses that are still making structural repairs needed before power can be restored.

The company has restored service to more than 86 percent of the 115,000 served in the Gulf Coast area and expects to have power restoration complete in remaining communities by Sunday evening.

About 700 TNMP employees and crew members from mutual assistance utilities have assisted in the restoration efforts. While crews have been working in all communities, tomorrow a new influx from the redeployed crews will arrive in Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson and Alvin -- the communities that remain without power.

"We are very pleased with the progress we have made, especially considering the extensive damage Ike caused to the area we serve," said Neal Walker, TNMP vice president of Texas operations. "We know that customers are as eager as we are to have this important recovery work completed, and we're focused on accomplishing that as quickly and safely as possible."

The final phase of the restoration process has been slowest, as damage is extensive and in most cases involves removing branches and other debris from equipment before making repairs to poles and other equipment.

TNMP's Gulf Coast service area includes Texas City, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood, Alvin, La Marque, Angleton, Sweeny, West Columbia, Bailey's Prairie, Hillcrest Village and Holiday Lakes.