Entergy Says Power Could Soon Be Restored To Parts Of New Orleans: Report

Some power could return to areas of New Orleans as soon as this week, WWL-TV reports.

Entergy reportedly told New Orleans Council members that some power could be restored as soon as Wednesday (September 1), sources tell the New Orleans Advocate | Times-Picayune. According to the source, it is not clear how much power could be restored by Wednesday or how Entergy plans to get the power to the city.

Over 1 million people in Louisiana have been without power, including all of New Orleans and much of Southeast Louisiana, since Hurricane Ida tore through the region. On Tuesday (August 31), Mayor LaToya Cantrell said there is no set timeline for when power in the city will be restored but that initial restoration efforts will be mainly focused on places with immediate needs, such as hospitals, per WWL-TV.

Entergy is assessing all eight transmission lines within the city and determining ways they can divert available power from power plants to the city. According to New Orleans infrastructure chief Ramsey Green, the company doesn't need all eight lines to be operational at the moment and are working to see which lines can be fixed quickly.

While some power could be restored by this week, it could take weeks for power to be restored for a majority of the city, efforts that Entergy New Orleans president and CEO Deanna Rodriguez called "a marathon, not a sprint," FOX 8 Live reports.

"We're working as safely and quickly as we can, but recovery will vary depending on the damage incurred and its location," said Rodriguez. "We must all be prepared for the recovery to take some time."