Comcast says power surge caused Academy Awards blackout

In the wake of Comcast Cable going black during a large portion of Sunday's Academy Awards, Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover announced that Frances Smith, director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast, will address the Shreveport City Council on March 12.

The 25-year contract between the City of Shreveport and the predecessors of Comcast ran out in 2012, and Glover said the agreement with Comcast is on a month-to-month basis. The city has been fielding a number of phone calls and emails complaining about Comcast, and Glover said either problems will be resolved or other options will be explored.

 
A new contract will require a resolution from the City Council and the signature of the mayor. 

 Official statement from Comcast:

"Comcast experienced a commercial power outage Sunday night.  We are investigating and indications are that a resulting power surge damaged the switch that transfers the headend operation to a generator.  We restored the majority of service within two hours and deeply regret the inconvenience to our customers."... Frances Smith, director, Government and Regulatory Affairs

Comcast Big South Region - South Area