As of June 26, Entergy Louisiana crews restored power to more than 85% of the approximately 40,000 Louisiana customers who lost electricity after severe thunderstorms swept across the state on June 25. The roughly 6000 customers remaining without power were expected to be restored by June 26, with the potential for some customers in the hardest-hit locations in the central and west areas of Baton Rouge being restored on June 27.
The severe weather on June 25 brought rain, lightning, and wind gusts of more than 60 mph, which downed trees and limbs as well as power lines, utility poles, and other electrical equipment.
A storm team of approximately 575, with the majority mobilized in the hard-hit Baton Rouge region, continued to assess damage and restore power where it was safe to do so. In addition, crews had secured specialized equipment needed to make repairs in backyards and other hard-to-access locations.
Crews continued to adhere to all CDC health guidelines while restoring power during the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing. Customers were requested to keep their distance from the workers in the field and their work zones.
Entergy Louisiana offered the following safety tips to customers following the severe weather event:
- Live wires can be deadly. There is no way to know if a downed line is energized or not. Customers are requested to call 1-800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243) to report downed or dangling power lines, poles, or other damaged equipment.
- Customers should stay away from standing water and debris from trees and other vegetation. It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Customers should not trim trees or remove debris on or near downed power lines. Only power company crews or their contractors should remove trees or limbs touching power lines.
- Customers should keep away from the immediate areas where crews are working. There is always the danger of moving equipment and the possibility of construction materials or limbs or overhead wires falling to the ground.
- If customers plan on using a generator for temporary power, they are requested to get a licensed electrician and disconnect from the utility electric system before hooking up to their main electric panel.
- Customers should not run a generator in a confined space without adequate ventilation.
