A massive rebuilding effort is underway in the storm ravaged communities of Northwest Arkansas. Repairs, which include clearing hundreds of downed trees to safely access more than 500 unique work locations, replacing approximately 400 broken utility poles, restringing more than 8 miles of electrical wire; replacing more than 75 transformers, and more, continue.
Restoration work in the area includes complex repairs. As a result, it could take time to get everyone’s power restored. To aid the effort, SWEPCO has called in additional resources and has grown its response to nearly 700 additional tree, line and crew responders.
Nation Guard to assist
Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has authorized the National Guard to assist in the state’s recovery and provide troops to assist SWEPCO with flagging and traffic control.
To ensure crews can work as quickly and as safely as possible, customers are urged to avoid areas where work is underway, not drive past flagged or coned zones and refrain from approaching crews while they work.
The current restoration estimate for 95 percent of customers in the Monte Ne area and those West of U.S. Hwy 71 B in Rogers who can receive power is 10 p.m. Sunday, June 2, weather permitting. All remaining customers who can receive power should have power restored by 10 p.m. Friday, May 31.
Further delay
Restoration times may extend further in isolated instances where extensive repairs are needed, or if weather prevents the crews from working safely. Customers should remain weather aware as there are storms predicted throughout the week across SWEPCO’s entire three-state service territory.
Now is the time for customers to determine whether their home can receive power - SWEPCO cannot connect power to a home or business if there is damage to the service entrance, which is owned by the customer. Customers must have a licensed electrician repair damage before power can be restored.