Pineville, La. – This morning, Cleco brought in 10 additional contractor crews to help with clean-up and power restoration following strong storms that passed through its service territory. 

“Yesterday we had Cleco crews and 12 contractor crews working, and today we are bringing in 10 more contractor crews to help with restoration efforts,” said James Lass, manager of distribution operations and emergency management.  “We anticipate that over 90 percent of our customers will have power restored today.” 

At the height of the storm over 11,000 customers experienced power outages.

As of 9:30 a.m., Cleco had approximately 4,000 customers without power.  

The heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and damage to power lines.  Cleco reminds customers that flooded homes and businesses can present a potential danger and to take the following precautions:

• Before rising waters enter a home or business, turn off the electricity at the main breaker and evacuate.

• Turn off individual breakers before shutting down the main breaker.

• If a residence or business is flooded, call Cleco to turn off power. 

• Home and businesses that have been flooded need to be inspected before the main breaker is re-energized. 

• Watch for downed power lines as they could be hidden by debris or fallen tree limbs, and never touch a downed line or anything touching the line. 

Report unsafe electrical safety situations to Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 or dial 911.