PINEVILLE, La. – Yesterday, Cleco sent a 12-member storm team from the St. Tammany region to assist Dixie Electric Membership Corporation (DEMCO) with underground system restoration following widespread damage caused by record-breaking flooding. 

“Record high flooding is severely impacting the service areas of DEMCO,” said Floyd Pittman, Cleco’s mutual assistance coordinator.  “Hurricane Katrina and more recent heavy rains have given our crews experience with repairing flooded underground systems. We are pleased to help out our neighbors during their time of need.” 

At the peak of the flood event, DEMCO saw 28,000 of its 107,110 customers without power. As of this morning, 8,316 customers are without power. 

As water begins to recede in the north Baton Rouge area and Denham Springs, Cleco will be there to help inspect, make repairs and re-energize DEMCO’s system. 

“We will continue to assess the situation and may send additional crews from other Cleco regions not impacted by the flood waters, if needed,” said Pittman. “We are ready, willing and, most importantly, able to help other utilities. We understand all too well the challenges they face following severe weather or a natural disaster.” 

DEMCO serves customers in seven southeast parishes of Louisiana, all of which have been declared a federal disaster.