Utility Crews Working Diligently to Assess Damage, Make Repairs FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- TNMP, a provider of electrical transmission and distribution services to approximately 115,000 customers in the Gulf Coast region, restored power to approximately 17,000 customers in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/PNMRESOURCESLOGO ) After conducting initial damage assessments soon after Hurricane Ike touched down on Saturday, TNMP crews immediately initiated the company's restoration plan and were able to successfully restore power to numerous customers, businesses and government agencies within the initial 24 hours after the hurricane. Initially, 100 percent of the company's Gulf Coast customers were without power. During the first day of work, TNMP restored power to an estimated 10,000 customers in Galveston County and another 7,000 customers in Brazoria County. Notable restorations include hospitals, sewage treatment plants, water treatment plants, a refinery and numerous business and residential customers. "Considering the magnitude of this hurricane and the damage it left behind, I think we are off to a good start in terms of the restoration process," said Neal Walker, TNMP vice president of Texas operations. "Our crews are working safely and diligently to restore power to as many customers as possible, and TNMP understands how important it is for customers to have power restored to their homes and places of business. We hope our customers know that TNMP is out in the communities doing everything we can to make repairs and restore energy as soon as possible." As of Sunday morning, TNMP estimated that approximately 96,000 Gulf Coast customers remain without power. This estimate included customers in Texas City, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood, Alvin, La Marque, Angleton, Sweeny, West Columbia, Brazoria, Bailey's Prairie, Hillcrest Village and Holiday Lakes. The TNMP service area in the Gulf Coast includes customers in Brazoria, Galveston and Matagorda counties. Restoration efforts are continuing Sunday despite heavy storms throughout the area. TNMP customers with Internet access can view updated outage information by visiting http://www.tnmp.com/. Customers can contact TNMP by calling its toll-free customer service line, which is (888) 866-7456, to report extreme emergencies as a result of hurricane-related outages. Customers also are asked to be patient, as full restoration of service isn't expected for several days. TNMP plans to use an experienced crew from the Gulf Coast region and other TNMP crews throughout the state to assist with power restoration efforts. In addition, linemen from Public Service Company of New Mexico plan to join TNMP crews as early as Monday to assist with restoration. Other utilities have also offered to provide mutual assistance if needed, and these crews are currently standing by until TNMP can complete its comprehensive damage assessment. TNMP customers are reminded to use caution in the wake of the hurricane by avoiding all downed lines. Customers should assume any line seen on the ground is energized and should remain a safe distance away. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/PNMRESOURCESLOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: TNMP CONTACT: Kevin Fuller, +1-505-241-2181, cell +1-505-250-3618, Web site: http://www.tnmp.com/

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