Hurricane Laura caused extensive damage across Louisiana and in parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi. More than 29,000 workers from at least 29 states, D.C., and Canada continue to assess damage in the hardest-hit communities and are restoring power to customers when and where they can, provided it is safe to do so.
As of 5 p.m. EDT on Aug. 30, about 409,000 customers were without power as a result of the storm, down from a peak of nearly 989,000.
Crews already have restored power to nearly 60 percent of all impacted customers. Industry and government leaders continue to coordinate at the highest levels through the CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) to ensure an effective and efficient response. The ESCC continues to focus on the extent of the damage, particularly to the high-voltage transmission system.
In some communities, storm damage was so catastrophic that energy infrastructure needs to be completely rebuilt before power can be restored. And, in these communities, customers will be unable to receive power because of the damage to their homes or businesses.
Crews are encountering fallen trees, downed power lines, widespread debris and damage, and even alligators and other wildlife as they work to access impacted areas and to restore power. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, crews also must follow additional safety protocols that may slow restoration processes.
For more information, visit the EEI Storm Center.
