Greenwell Springs, LA – DEMCO continues work on power restoration following this week’s severe storm and resulting outages. The peak outage count, reported after the storm passed, reached 26,000 and has since decreased to 4,402.
Mutual aid from Southeast Louisiana Electric, Arkansas Electric, and Petit Jean Electric sent crews and additional equipment to augment DEMCO mobilized crews and contractors in the restoration endeavor in East and West Feliciana parishes.
In West Feliciana parish, 100% of DEMCO members are without power due to damage caused by a confirmed category 1 tornado. Damage assessment revealed more than 100 broken poles, including transmission and distribution poles, lines, and transformers. Crews are also working to restore 146 meters in the Greensburg area of East Feliciana.
More than 200 crew members are working around the clock to repair transmission lines to two Elm Park and Tunica Hills substations. Once online, more than 2,000 meters will be restored. Current outages in the St. Francisville area are 4,248.
The terrain in West Feliciana Parish presents unique challenges, necessitating specific equipment and extra care for crews working in these areas. Repairing critical infrastructure, such as transmission lines, is paramount to restoring services to critical facilities, including water wells, the Sheriff’s Department, the 911 facility, and the school system.
DEMCO urges affected members to exercise caution around downed power lines. For updates on outages and restoration progress, visit DEMCO.org/storm-center.