PINEVILLE, La. – Feb. 20, 2021 (4 p.m.) – As of 4 p.m. today, Cleco has restored power to nearly 37,000 customers affected by the second winter storm.  At the height of the storm, approximately 43,000 customers were without power. 

Restoration Update
Below is an update on power restoration in Gardner, Cotile, Wilda and Hot Wells.  Please note that unexpected damage or inclement weather could impact restoration efforts and timelines.  This update also is on Cleco’s website and Facebook page.

Rapides Parish – Gardner, Cotile, Wilda and Hot Wells

• During storm restoration, a large, high-voltage transformer in Cleco’s distribution substation in the Gardner community failed.  A mobile transformer has been delivered to the substation site to serve as a backup power source. 
• It will take several hours to unload, install and connect the mobile transformer to Cleco’s system. 
• The Gardner Substation supplies power to approximately 1,300 customers in Gardner, Cotile, Wilda and Hot Wells.  Provided Cleco personnel do not encounter any unexpected damage or delays, the company estimates power will be restored to most, if not all, of these customers later tonight.

Power Outages as of 4 p.m.

Safety tips to follow after a storm:

• Operate portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas and plug appliances directly into generators with grounded extension cords. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
• Assume all downed power lines are live and stay away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 1-800-622-6537 and 911.