Entergy working to bring light of hope to those in the dark

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Many are still without power this morning.  Icy conditions have caused dangerous conditions and hazards that have taken a toll on the power grid and those that repair them. Crews were working overnight and are still working as conditions safely permit.

This morning, Entergy released an updated alert message for those effected by the outages.

The following is from Entergy:

Ice accumulation on trees and power lines from Wednesday’s wave of winter weather is causing significant power outages for customers across our service territory. We have not experienced a winter storm of this magnitude in over 25 years.  As of 7:30 am, there are over 89,924 customers without power.  We have over 1,300 resources engaged in the restoration effort and have an additional 180 resources enroute and requesting more.  Restoration work is proceeding as safely as possible, but our crews are facing challenges associated with dangerous driving conditions, which is slowing down travel to damaged areas.  We will provide additional information as damage assessments are made.

Cold weather outage restoration can be hampered by a sudden demand from electric heaters and large appliances when power comes on.  So, if you should lose power, please turn off or unplug these appliances until power is restored.  You may want to leave a lamp turned on to indicate when power is restored.

Current Outage Numbers:

As of this report, the following outages have been reported:

Safety is our number one priority.  If you lose power:

• Stay away from downed power lines and assume they are energized. Report them to 1-800-9OUTAGE.
• Report your power outage online to Entergy Texas or call 1-800-9OUTAGE. There is no need to speak with a customer service representative to report an outage if completed online.
• If you have a portable generator, use it safely. DO NOT run it in an enclosed space. If connecting to the whole house, do so only if the connection has been installed by a licensed electrician to prevent back feed on to the distribution system.
• Do not open your refrigerator or freezer door. Food will stay cold much longer this way. If outside temperature is below freezing, consider placing food in an ice chest outside.
• Please stay clear of linemen as they work to safely restore power
• Entergy employees are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic by taking additional steps. Crews will continue to practice social distancing, and we ask that customers do the same. For our safety and yours, please stay away from work zones.
• Customers without power can help in the restoration process by turning off major appliances but leaving on a lamp or other light to indicate when power is restored. Then, gradually turn other appliances to spread out the increase in power usage over a longer time. Visit entergy.com/cold to learn more.

Customers should:

• Charge up mobile devices and back-up batteries.
• Review guidance at www.entergystormcenter.com.
• If you have medical equipment that requires electricity to properly function, take necessary steps to secure an alternative source of electricity in the event of a power disruption.
• Have an emergency kit including flashlights, medicine, first aid, blankets, water and food.
• Download the Entergy app and sign up for text updates.
• Report your power outage online to Entergy Mississippi or call 1-800-9OUTAGE.