Crews mobilized to begin repairs and restoration

Cleco is assessing damage to its electrical system caused by Francine which left approximately 37,000 customers statewide without power.

According to weather forecasts, Francine made landfall as a Category 2 Hurricane Wednesday night and moved across Louisiana this morning. Cleco’s hardest hit parishes were Iberia, St. Mary and St. Tammany.

“Cleco and contractor crews have been mobilized. We are surveying the damage and making repairs to begin power restoration,” said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability. “So far our damage assessments have uncovered multiple broken poles, downed wire and some equipment damage.”

Cleco has set up 11 staging areas across the state with materials and equipment, as well as assembled a team that includes Cleco employees and 1,755 additional line mechanics, tree trimmers and damage assessors.     

“We also want to remind our customers that one of the most dangerous parts of a storm is oftentimes right after it passes,” said Robichaux. “As they are waking up this morning and beginning to clean up, they should stay clear of downed powerlines and avoid areas of debris that could be touching powerlines.”

Downed Power Lines Safety

• Assume all downed power lines are live and stay away. 
• Report any unsafe situations to 911 and call Cleco at 1-800-622-6537.

Generator Safety

• Generators should be operated outdoors only and in well-ventilated areas.
• Don’t exceed the rated capacity of the generator and only refuel when the engine is off and cool.

For more safety tips, customers can visit www.cleco.com/StormSafety or Facebook at www.cleco.com/ClecoPower.