TNMP Completes Major System Repairs

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – TNMP, a provider of electrical transmission and distribution services to approximately 115,000 customers in the Gulf Coast region, reached a major milestone in its hurricane restoration efforts with the completion of repairs to its major power lines and facilities.

The company has restored service to approximately three out of four customers. About 84,000 customers had power by Friday morning.

TNMP and others from mutual assistance crews now are turning their focus to repairs on damaged lines and equipment that serve the individual homes and businesses that remain without power. This final phase of the restoration process will be slow, as damage is extensive and repairs are extremely manual. In most cases, it involves removing branches and other debris from equipment before making repairs to poles and other equipment.

Delays also are occurring because of damage to customer-owned equipment, specifically the meter bases and the weatherhead where service enters the house. In these cases, the customers must have an electrician make the repairs, and TNMP will return at a later date to complete the restoration. If a customer knows that damage has occurred to this equipment, they’re encouraged to have an electrician make the repairs before TNMP crews arrive.

“As we near the one-week anniversary of Hurricane Ike, we are pleased with the progress we have made but know we still have much work ahead,” said Neal Walker, TNMP vice president of Texas operations.  “Ike caused extensive damage, and getting all systems back to normal will take time and patience.”

Restoration in this final phase could take at least two weeks.

Walker asks customers not only to be patient, but also to work with TNMP to ensure that work is completed safely and efficiently.  For example, customers are urged to allow the crews to complete their critical work without interruptions. Several instances of customers stopping crews to inquire about their individual homes have slowed efforts.

Customers without power also are asked to turn on their front porch lights to help TMP crews determine which streets have power and which may still be in need of repair.

At this time, TNMP indicates that power has been restored to at least some parts of every community it serves. 

TNMP customers with Internet access can view updated outage information by visiting www.tnmp.com.  Customers can contact TNMP by calling its toll-free customer service line, which is (888) 866-7456, to report extreme emergencies as a result of hurricane-related outages. Customers also are asked to be patient, as full restoration of service for most customers isn’t expected for several days.  Full restoration in areas with extensive damage could take up to two weeks. TNMP customers are reminded to use caution in the wake of the hurricane by avoiding all downed lines.  Customers should assume any line seen on the ground is energized and should remain a safe distance away.