HOUSTON – Texans, along with Houston-area residents, experienced power outages due to Hurricane Laura’s impact. According to Entergy, the power has since been restored for most Houston-area residents.
Entergy announced the outages to its Texas customers Thursday after its transmission system suffered extensive damage from the hurricane. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) directed Entergy to take this action as a last in order to prevent a prolonged power outage, which could severely impact the reliability of the power grid, according to Entergy.
Entergy is experiencing widespread outages across their system that is impacting the Bolivar Peninsula. The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management is in communication with Entergy and will provide updates as soon as they are available. https://t.co/xyHwi1ducM
— Galveston County OEM (@galvcountyoem) August 27, 2020
MISO directed the energy company to stop the periodic outages as soon as the power shortfall no longer threatens the integrity of the rest of the electrical power system, according to a press release.
7:30 PM Just received an update from Entergy Texas. The current transmission line issue that has caused our power outages has been located and is in the process of repairs. When this gets done tonight we should be good to go according to them.
— Montgomery County OHSEM (@MCOEM) August 28, 2020
Entergy also asked its customers in the western area of north Houston to reduce their electricity usage as directed by MISO.
Here were some suggested ways Entergy customers could reduce their electricity usage:
- Raise the central air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees. Window units should be adjusted accordingly
- Use energy-efficient electric ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air and help occupants feel cooler
- Close window blinds, drapes and curtains to reduce warming in the home from direct sunlight
- Check the air conditioner filter to be sure it is clean
- Delay laundering clothes, washing dishes, bathing, etc. until later in the evening or early morning. These activities produce moisture and increase humidity in the house, making the air conditioner work harder
- Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting, and resist the temptation to open the oven door while baking
- Do not allow cooled air to escape from the home. Check caulking around doors and windows. Close the fireplace damper. Fill holes and gaps where wiring and pipes enter the house
- Make sure your clothes dryer and attic are vented properly
According to Entergy, there appears to still be some outages near Lake Conroe.