In an extensive restoration effort, nearly 300 utility professionals, including additional tree and line crews from nearby states, are working diligently to restore power to customers in East Texas and Louisiana.
The teams are actively replacing crucial infrastructure, including an estimated 23 utility poles, 14 transformers, 26 cross arms, and 67 miles of electrical wire to mitigate the impact of recent severe weather.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Significant progress was made Wednesday in the Texas towns of Fruitvale and Grand Saline, areas heavily impacted by Tuesday's storms, which resulted in extensive power line damage and destruction of property. Concurrently, near Turnertown, Texas, restoration work on a transmission line is underway, addressing multiple broken poles, cross arms, and downed wires caused by severe weather.
Current Power Restoration Status
SWEPCO has successfully restored electricity to over 15,500 customers although efforts are still ongoing
SWEPCO has successfully restored electricity to over 15,500 customers, although efforts are still ongoing to return service to all affected areas. At present, approximately 3,400 customers remain without power in Texas and 1,000 in Louisiana.
With more severe weather and scattered thunderstorms forecast in the region, SWEPCO advises customers to stay informed and prepared for potential delays in service restoration.
Expected Restoration Timelines
SWEPCO has issued estimated service restoration times for areas severely affected by the storms, although service may be restored sooner. It is expected that by 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, power will be restored to 95 percent of customers in Hornbeck and surrounding areas of Central Louisiana. By 10 p.m. on the same day, restoration is anticipated for the areas of Carthage, Gilmer, Gladewater, and Mineola. By 10 p.m. on Friday, May 31, services should be restored in Henderson, Kilgore, Longview, and Marshall.
