In the aftermath of Winter Storm Cora, SWEPCO crews continue to rebuild, repair, and restore power. SWEPCO expects 95 percent of all customers who can receive power will be restored by 10 p.m. tonight. Crews will continue to work until power is restored to all customers.
The rise in temperatures was welcomed as crews continued their efforts since pre-dawn to clear trees and, wherever possible, repower customers.
SWEPCO’s sister utilities
Nearly 1,000 personnel, including resources from SWEPCO’s sister utilities at PSO
Nearly 1,000 personnel, including resources from SWEPCO’s sister utilities at Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and AEP Texas, along with contracted tree crews from the area and as far away as North Carolina and South Carolina, answered the call to offer extra assistance.
They sincerely thank the customers, first responders and elected officials for their patience and understanding as they work diligently to restore power.
SWEPCO’s three-state service territory
At peak, the winter storm caused 36,637 outages across SWEPCO’s three-state service territory, which have since been reduced to roughly 8,000. The icy impacts from Cora dealt a blow to the region with downed trees and power lines, primarily in Texarkana and surrounding areas.
The latest work reports show more than 875 trees requiring forestry personnel and repair for more than 175 spans of wire.
Event restoration times have been communicated with customers, and work continues with many potentially having power restored sooner.
Updates on the estimated restoration time
Clients who signed up for email or text alerts could obtain direct updates on the estimated restoration time
The more damage there is to the system, the further out in time the global ETR will be. Please note that these restoration times could change based on the complexity of repairs.
Customers who signed up for email or text alerts could receive direct updates on the estimated restoration time at their home or business as crews continue working to restore power.
Safety Reminders
Generator Safety
As they work to restore power, the safety of their employees is the top priority! Here are three essential tips for generator use:
- Prevent Backfeed: Use a transfer switch for safe connections to avoid backfeeding, protecting the lineworkers.
- Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always read the manual and operate the generator as directed.
- Keep Generators Outdoors: Avoid carbon monoxide risks by using generators outside and away from windows.
Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
All downed power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. Do not touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences, or puddles of water. Keep children and pets inside during and after the storm. Stay at least ten feet away from any downed power line.
Can they Receive Power?
Now is the time for customers to determine whether their homes 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.
