Warming Centers Open as Power Failures Continue Through the Night

As East Texas residents hunker down in the aftermath of a historic winter storm, many will continue to be without power into the night. Officials are warning that blackouts will continue as the power grid struggles to get back on its feet.

“Just wrapped up another conference call with Entergy,” Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said in a statement. “They continue to cycle through customers who have been without power with alternating outages. According to Entergy they have completed roughly 60% of customers who have been without power since 5 AM. Overnight they will continue cycling through those customers until everyone has had a chance to have their power restored for a period of time.”

According to Entergy, the Lewis Creek plant is currently generating 250 MW, while the new Entergy plant is now producing 340 MW. They are also working with their regulator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, to bring in power from other areas.

“I know everyone is cold and frustrated,” said Keough. “I share your experience of being without power. Montgomery County has opened several warming centers throughout the day and currently they have capacity for anyone who needs a warm place to stay.”

There are currently four warming centers available to people without power in the Montgomery County area:

1. Over Under Church, 600 S. Frazier St (Conroe)
2. Church Project, 602 Pruitt Rd (The Woodlands)
3. Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Rd (Conroe)
4. Madeley Ranch Elementary, 3500 Madeley Ranch Rd (Montgomery)

State Representative Steve Toth (R-Conroe) expressed frustration in a heartfelt Facebook post late Monday night:

“The goals set by Entergy were not met. For the 23% of you without power this isn’t news. I’m frustrated that we can’t get better and more thoughtful answers for you. I’ve heard from people who’ve been without power since 2:00 AM.”

“The next conference call is early tomorrow morning,” Toth continued. “Everyone you can think of among our community leaders was on the call pressing Entergy. I’ll have an update tomorrow morning. God bless you guys. I’m so sorry.”