Power grid is currently stable

While conditions are currently stable, Cleco continues to monitor the power grid to avoid future power interruptions. 

“If the power supply cannot meet the demand, periodic power outages could be needed to protect the stability of the power grid and prevent widespread lengthy outages,” said Jennifer Cahill, director of corporate communications. “This was the case yesterday when we took the unprecedented step, as directed by MISO, to force outages to some customers in St. Tammany Parish.”

The Midcontinent Independent Reliability System Operator (MISO), Cleco’s reliability coordinator, issued a directive at 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 25, for controlled power outages in order to prevent a more extensive, prolonged power outage that could have impacted the reliability of the power grid. It is Cleco’s obligation to take action for the directive given.

“Controlled outages are a last resort when all other options have been exhausted, and every attempt is made to notify customers before an outage occurs,” said Cahill. “However, due to the many variables that affect the overall electric power grid, these events can occur quickly and without advance notice.” 

At the height of yesterday’s event, roughly 25,000 Cleco customers in the Covington, Mandeville, Madisonville, Lacombe and Franklinton areas were without power for under two hours.

“We apologize to our customers who experienced power loss during yesterday’s mandatory service interruption,” said Cahill. “And while we strive to give our customers advance notice of any outages, this emergency situation did not allow us the time to inform our customers ahead of time.”

Cleco will continue to coordinate with MISO to monitor the system. And Cleco and MISO are working together to investigate the cause of the outage and prevent similar incidents in the future.