CenterPoint Energy provided the latest updates on ongoing power outages and a brief closure of Highway 290 on Saturday that affected Houstonians.
Latest power outages update
As of 3:41 p.m. on Saturday, 764 customers remain affected by power outages. CenterPoint said these outages are primarily isolated incidents in specific areas where substantial damage occurred, or where customer-owned equipment, such as weatherheads, is damaged. Some outages are also due to unrelated service issues, such as car accidents causing downed poles and wires.
CenterPoint Energy assures the community that it has the necessary workers and resources to address these remaining outages safely and promptly. Despite restoring power to over 900,000 customers impacted by the severe storm on May 16, the company recognizes that some Houstonians are still waiting for their electricity to be restored. CenterPoint Energy said it remains committed to its around-the-clock efforts until every last customer has power again.
Highway 290 closure
In coordination with TxDOT and local law enforcement, traffic on Highway 290 was temporarily halted on Saturday morning. CenterPoint Energy needed to temporarily shut down transmission lines to repair them after severe storms on May 16 damaged them extensively
RELATED: Stretch of HWY 290 briefly closing Saturday for Houston storm power repairs
The stoppage, initially planned from 7 to 8 a.m., was delayed due to a vehicular accident that required safe clearing from the freeway before CenterPoint Energy crews could perform essential transmission repairs. The closure started at 9:50 a.m. and lasted until 11:00 a.m. when all main lanes were reopened.
CenterPoint Energy said it extends apologies for the inconvenience caused and thanks the community for its patience during this critical restoration work.
Restoration progress
Earlier estimates from CenterPoint Energy projected nearly all customers would have their power restored by Wednesday evening, reaching up to 97% restoration according to their latest figures. As of Thursday morning, just under 25,000 customers were without power, marking the seventh day of outages for some. This number represents the final stretch of the more than 900,000 customers who initially lost power during the May 16 Derecho.
SEE ALSO: Most in Houston area are getting power back after storm, but some may have to wait until the weekend