WGNO

Contractor installing underground fiber optic cable knocks out power to City Hall

NEW ORLEANS – They had to cast their ballots in the dark, but at least early voters at New Orleans City Hall on Wednesday (Nov.6) were able to see their votes reflected on the glowing voting machines.

The Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters office lost power around 1:00, but the voting machines themselves remained on, thanks to a backup generator.

Entergy crews later confirmed that a non-Entergy contractor installing underground fiber optic cable in downtown New Orleans inadvertently bored into an electrical line knocking out power to City Hall and Civil District Court.

Entergy reported that power was restored at 9:30 Wednesday night.