Cleco crews wrapping up power restoration work following Monday’s EF3 tornado
Power will be restored to remaining 169 customers who can receive electricity today

PINEVILLE, La. – Dec. 19, 2019 (6:30 a.m.) – Cleco crews are on track to wrap up power restoration work today after an EF3 tornado knocked out power to more than 9,000 homes and businesses in central Louisiana Monday afternoon.

“We have restored power to 98 percent of our customers who can receive it,” said James Lass, general manager of distribution operations and emergency management. “This was a major storm that caused extensive damage to our electrical system. Once power is restored to our remaining customers, Cleco crews will continue cleaning up damage and debris.”

Cleco has restored power to 9,331 of the 9,500 customers who lost electricity after the tornado. As of 6:30 a.m., 169 customers in Rapides Parish were without power. Some customers’ homes and or businesses were damaged by the storm. In some of these cases, Cleco cannot energize their service until repairs are made by a licensed electrician.

Cleco brought in additional line mechanics and vegetation specialists from around Louisiana and neighboring states to assist with storm restoration.

“We had the workforce, materials and equipment necessary to restore power safely and efficiently,” said Lass. “Our crews worked day and night, and they worked safely. We are extremely grateful for the assistance we received, and we truly appreciate our customers’ patience.”

For updates, follow Cleco on Facebook at @ClecoPower.