The progress of Ida is being monitored by power companies. It is expected to bring heavy rain, wind, flooding, and severe thunderstorms.
Preparedness for Hurricane Ida has already produced more oil than Hurricane Katrina 16-years ago.
Contractors and energy crews will respond to the massive power outages that are expected throughout the storm.
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Hurricane Ida could knock out power in large swathes of southern Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. The powerful storm has already reduced oil production in the area.
As the potential Category 4 hurricane, the second-strongest storm category, hits the Gulf Coast region on Sunday, energy companies are preparing for widespread power outages.
Officials in New Orleans, which is home to approximately 400,000 residents, advised that residents be prepared for long-lasting power outages. Entergy Louisiana, which supplies gas and electricity to more than 1.1 million customers, stated on Saturday that customers who are in direct contact with a storm like Ida may experience power outages for up to three weeks. The utility stated that 90% of customers would be restored within 24 hours. To assist with restoration, the utility is also inviting workers from all over the country.
Alabama Power, which serves more than 1,000,000 customers, said that it was also preparing for the storm. It also advised customers to ensure small devices are charged in case of power outages. Residents in Mississippi were also advised by authorities to be prepared for scattered outages.
Reuters reported Friday that US oil and gas companies have reduced more than 1.6 Million barrels of oil production. This is higher than the oil production cutbacks in 2005's Hurricane Katrina. Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron and others have also stated that they have been evacuating crews from offshore drilling platforms.
Ida will pass through oil fields contributing 17% to the nation's total oil output, which could have a significant impact on national oil prices the week following. According to S&P Global the US Coast Guard has begun imposing port restrictions between Alabama and Texas. This can affect import and export efforts as well as supply chains in this region.
The White House has approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana. This allows FEMA employees (2,000) to be deployed to Louisiana. To discuss disaster relief efforts, President Joe Biden met with the governors from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Alabama.
