Cleco adds 2,000 contractors for hurricane recovery

Cleco has added 2,000 contractors to its own workforce to cope with power restoration related to Hurricane Ida.

\“We’ve added additional workers to our team, as well as specialized equipment,” said Clint Robichaux, manager of distribution operations support. “As widespread flooding is predicted across our service territory, we have secured specialized equipment like helicopters, airboats and marsh buggies to access areas that could be difficult to reach with regular bucket and pickup trucks.”

The 2,000 damage assessors, distribution line mechanics, distribution and transmission vegetation specialists and transmission contractors to help with system repairs and power restoration after the storm passes.

The company also setup staging locations across the state to store supplies, such as fuel, as well as to feed, and provide lodging and laundry services for the crews.

Customers are encouraged to:
• Report power outages by calling 1-800-622-6537 or online through MyAccount at cleco.com.
• Operate portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas and plug appliances directly into generators with grounded extension cords. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
• Assume all downed power lines are live and stay away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 1-800-622-6537 and 911.
• If water is rising, turn off electricity at the main breaker, evacuate and stay away until waters have completely receded.

For additional information, follow the company on Facebook @ClecoPower or visit Cleco’s Storm Center page at cleco.com/storm-center.