In response to recent severe weather in Rogers, Arkansas, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) and the Arkansas National Guard have teamed up to restore electricity to the affected areas.
Heavy rainfall has caused delays in the restoration process, but efforts continue to rebuild the community and reconnect customers to the power grid.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
The restoration involves extensive repairs, including the removal of hundreds of fallen trees to access over 750 work locations.
The task also requires replacing approximately 400 damaged utility poles, restringing over 10 miles of electrical wire, and installing more than 100 new transformers. This complex work highlights the magnitude of repairing infrastructure impacted by the storm.
Collaboration and Community Support
SWEPCO expresses gratitude to local officials, first responders, and the Arkansas National Guard for their continued support and collaboration.
Their assistance is pivotal in enabling the repair crews to perform tasks quickly and safely. In working with the National Guard, SWEPCO has directed efforts to manage traffic control and ensure the safety of line crews in the area since Thursday.
Safety Measures in Place
To facilitate the restoration work, SWEPCO urges the public to avoid areas where active work is happening, not to drive through coned zones, and to keep a safe distance from working crews. These measures are critical for the safety of both the workers and the community.
Customer Responsibilities for Power Restoration
Customers are encouraged to verify whether their properties can receive power.
Before connection can be restored, any damage to the service entrance, which is the customer's responsibility, must be repaired by a licensed electrician. SWEPCO is unable to restore power to properties with damaged service entrances.
