CenterPoint, Entergy receive backlash on social media for Houston power outage response

Marley Malenfant , Austin American-Statesman
·3 min read
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In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl's landfall, more than a million homes and businesses in Texas remain without electricity. The storm passed through the greater Houston area on Monday, and as of Thursday morning, approximately 1.3 million people were still affected by power outages.

On Wednesday night, CenterPoint Energy said power had been restored to more than 1 million of the 2.26 million customers who had been affected at the peak of power outages. However, work continues to restore power to nearly 1 million more customers.

Entergy Texas also shared an update on X, stating that they've restored power to more than 50% of customers impacted by outages and aim to restore power to at least 75% by Friday.

Updated power outage map: CenterPoint, Entergy restore power to nearly 1M Texans

However, disgruntled people have shared their frustrations with the progress.

Here is what people are saying.

CenterPoint, Entergy receive backlash for power failure

Days without power in their homes and living through a heat advisory have left several Texans vexed at CenterPoint, Entergy, government officials and ERCOT.

People have expressed their frustrations with the pace of restoration. Graffiti mocking the energy company was spotted under a Houston highway.

Here is what customers are saying on social media:

Hurricane Beryl death toll: At least 7 dead in greater Houston area

At least seven people have died in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

Victims include Russell Richardson, a 54-year-old Houston Police Department information security officer, who died on Monday on his way to work when he was caught in rising flood water on Houston Avenue.

Maria Loredo, a grandmother who lived with her adult son, his wife, and their two young children, also died, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported. A large tree was blown over and destroyed the back half of the home, instantly killing her.

“We are deeply saddened by these losses and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected,” Trey Baxter, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County emergency management office said in a press release. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all residents as we continue our recovery efforts.”

Beryl death toll: At least 7 in greater Houston area, 1 in Louisiana killed

Map of current road conditions, closures in Texas

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: CenterPoint, Entergy receive backlash amid widespread power outages