This is due to trees on your lines, lines and/or poles that are down; and lines that are twisted that need to be replaced. Also, there are transformer fuses that have been blown. The substantial damage to each "powerless" lateral must be repaired by Centerpoint before the grid it serves has power restored. This is done lateral line by lateral line.

The original estimate has been revised and it is now thought by Centerpoint that it will take all of this week to get the majority of Bellaire back up (not today or tomorrow). Even then, the new estimate is that there will still be 10-15% without power after this week in the areas served (both in and outside of Bellaire) by these three substations.

Centerpoint cannot provide an exact timeline of when each block of a particular street will be up. There is extensive repair work and testing that is being done on each lateral that varies lateral to lateral. The grid system is (as many of us are now aware) not simply on a block by block basis. Additionally, some grids serve several homes, whereas other grids only serve a few on a block. Per Centerpoint, they are still working a priority list that includes getting the grids up that serves a greater number of customers before grids that serve just a few.

The tree removal work on the power lines is still ongoing. Although you may not see a crew on your block today or tomorrow, they are working from your substation out towards your grid. (The City has had reports of crews from the Bellaire substation and Sharpstown substation that have been seen removing trees and getting service back up for residents in the northwest and northeast part of our City over the weekend. We continue to hear daily from residents that have restored power.)

If your home is completely surrounded by other homes that have power and your's doesn't, this needs to reported. They cannot tell from the substation where these incidents are.

You must also check where the electrical line hooks up to your home. You are responsible for that connection. Centerpoint is responsible for the line coming from the lateral to your home. If there was damage where your electrical line enters your house, you need to have a registered electrician get this repaired before you will have power back to your home. (The City is waiving all permit fees associated with the repair work done due to Hurricane IKE damage. However, all repairmen must be registered with the City before repair work should be done.)

Lastly, you should turn off your air conditioner and disconnect all major appliances before you have your electricity restored. Otherwise, you run the risk that your air conditioner or major appliances will be damaged when the electricity is turned back on to your home. Once you slowly turn on your lights and small appliances and know that you do not have a problem, you can turn on your major appliances, computers, and TVs. Turn your air conditioner on last.