While Gustav's impact on the state was less severe than devastation left three years ago by Hurricane Katrina, its damage to Entergy's grid was worse, particularly in the Baton Rouge area, an Entergy official said.
Baton Rouge is home to the nation's second-largest refinery, owned by Exxon Mobil (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).
Entergy did not give an estimate for the duration of repairs, but said power restoration will be a "delicate balance" of adding load as repairs to the transmission system allow.
The company has been unable to fly helicopters over its transmission system to assess damage fully, though thousands of out-of-state workers are headed toward Louisiana to assist in the restoration.
From Wiki:
The local electric utility Entergy Corporation was impacted severely, and Entergy New Orleans filed for bankruptcy protection on September 23, 2005. The company cited lower revenue and storm restoration costs as the primary cause. Parent company Entergy Corporation promptly arranged $100 million in financing.
This is another point in the case for credit restrictions hampering infrastructure companies in the future. Imagine if Ike proves to be the Katrina to Gustav's Rita. I don't throw around hyperbole usually, cautionary principle and all, but Gulf production would be truly FUBAR! To say nothing of the impact on citizenry.
And, once again, this is taking place in an era of relatively cheap fuel, grid outside impacted area humming along 24/7, etc.
