Katrina Aftermath - Power Restoration

With emphasis on essential services such as hospitals and water/sewer plants, power is being systematically restored throughout the region. Over 400,000 customers have electricity back, however, about 750,000 customers in southeast Louisiana and Mississippi remain without power.

Entergy Corp. reports about 9,500 linemen and tree-trimmers, with more on the way, are working through damaged areas. According to the company, eight of 11 gas refineries it serves now have power. Power is promised within ten days for the three refineries that remain flooded downstream of New Orleans.

Restoration of gas service in New Orleans awaits removal of flood waters and debris.

From WWLTV.com:

Security and flooding remain big problems in New Orleans. But the company said it had service back in parts of Jefferson Parish, including three hospitals: East and West Jefferson hospitals and Ochsner Foundation Hospital. The Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center, the Gretna police and fire stations, the Gretna Water Works and the Jefferson Parish Sewer Plant also had power, as did New Orleans' international airport.

Crews were working in the eastbank industrial corridor from Kenner to LaPlace, as well as Mandeville and Bogalusa.

Electricity has been returned to some West Bank areas as crews repair downed power lines. There are anecdotal reports of power in Gretna/Terrytown and Westwego. In St. Charles Parish, it's reported that power has been restored to some locations in Luling, St. Rose, and Norco with several businesses now open.