Press Release > Entergy’s Louisiana Storm Team Assesses Damage and Restores Power After Hurricane Francine

For immediate release

09/12/2024

BATON ROUGE, La. – Entergy’s Louisiana storm team of linemen, tree trimmers and scouts, along with other support personnel, are working to simultaneously assess the electrical grid and restore power to more than 300,000 customers who lost power after Hurricane Francine. As of 12:30 p.m., about 250,000 customers in Louisiana were without power, including about 50,000 in New Orleans.

Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of about 100 miles per hour. While power outages are widespread across southeastern Louisiana, coastal areas of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes appear to be the hardest hit, as well as parishes such as Assumption and Ascension.

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana continue to urge everyone to be safe. Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Do not walk in standing water or venture into areas with debris, as you may not be able to see a power line that could still be live and dangerous. Additionally, never use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, crawl spaces, or partially enclosed spaces, even with ventilation. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.

“This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “We’re going to go as fast and as safely as we can. This isn’t just a restoration effort for us; it’s about helping people get their lives back on track as quickly as possible.”

The restoration process

Entergy’s Louisiana storm team began recovery efforts overnight after the storm passed and it was safe for crews to begin assessing damage and restoring power. To assess damage in hard-to-reach areas, we use advanced technology such as infrared cameras, drones, and satellite imagery to assess damage by foot, vehicle, airboat, high-water vehicle, and helicopter.

Once damage assessments are complete, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans can provide restoration time estimates; however, restoration will occur in parallel where possible. The restoration process will be conducted in an orderly, measured manner. For example, the company is working to restore power to essential customers first—hospitals, police, fire, communications, and water, sanitation, and transportation—and to repair lines that can provide power to the largest number of customers as quickly as possible. Power will be restored more quickly in areas with less damage, while restoration times in the hardest-hit areas will depend on the extent of damage to Entergy’s electrical facilities.

“As with previous hurricanes, we are asking all of our customers — those who have had power restored and those who are still waiting — to be patient as we work to make repairs,” said Phillip May, president and CEO of Entergy Louisiana. “We understand that our customers want to know when their power will be restored, and we are committed to providing that information.”

He added: “As we conduct repairs throughout the day today, our scouts and others will be gathering the necessary information from the field so that we can make initial estimates for the restoration.”

The company is using all available resources to work around the clock to ensure steady progress is made. Customers can stay up to date on the restoration efforts through the following channels:

• Download the Entergy app. Customers can use the app to report power outages or check the status of power at their home or business.
• View Entergy’s View Outages map. Maps show where outages are located and provide information on the progress of restoration.
• Follow us on Facebook and X at @EntergyLA, @EntergyNOLA, Facebook.com/EntergyLA and Facebook.com/EntergyNOLA. Social media also plays an important role in keeping you informed and we place a great deal of importance on updating our social media channels during an event.

• Text Us: If you have opted in to receive our alerts, you can text OUT to 36778 to report a power outage or STAT for the status of your outage. To opt in to texting, visit myEntergy.com or text REG to 36778. Please have your account number and zip code ready. The sign-up pattern is as follows, including spaces: REG (account number) (zip code).
• Visit the Entergy Storm Center website. The site has storm safety, preparedness, and recovery information that is updated throughout the day.
• Download the Operation: Storm Ready Guide. This guide will help you plan and prepare for weather emergencies. Information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Beware of power outage scams
Customers are reminded that attempts to defraud our communities increase following a disaster. Remember, Entergy will never accept or demand money to reconnect our customers’ electricity following weather-related disconnections. If you suspect a scam, hang up the phone and report it to Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY.

About Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana, LLC provides electricity to more than 1 million customers in 58 parishes and natural gas to more than 94,000 customers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans, LLC is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish in Louisiana. The company provides electricity to more than 209,000 customers and natural gas to more than 110,000 customers.

Both companies are subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company that serves 3 million customers through operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We invest in the reliability and resiliency of the energy system and help our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate responsibility. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits to local communities annually through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees.