CURRENT SITUATION
As of 10 a.m., Winter Storm Fern caused more than 17,000 outages across its Louisiana, Texas and southern Arkansas portions of SWEPCO’s service territory. Heavy ice accumulation is weighing down power lines, trees, and equipment, creating hazardous conditions and widespread service interruptions. In SWEPCO’s Northwest Arkansas territory, Fern is bringing snow accumulations without ice as of Saturday morning.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
SWEPCO crews are already in the field, assessing damage and restoring power where it is safe to do so. Safety is our top priority - for our customers and our crews. Restoration during an ice storm is challenging, but we have a plan and resources to get the job done.
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN ACTION
We are not alone in this effort. Crews from Indiana and sister utilities are already on-site supporting restoration. Additional mutual assistance crews are enroute from Florida, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon and California, joining forces with SWEPCO to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. This united response demonstrates the strength of our industry and our shared commitment to our customers during this historic storm.
We’ve mobilized approximately 5,600 utility professionals to aid our response to customers. Through our regional Mutual Assistance partnerships, approximately 2,300 additional line and forestry personnel from peer utilities are already on site to support our efforts.
We’re committed to matching the size and scale of this historic storm with the resources required to keep our customers safe and restore power as quickly as possible.
STRATEGIC STAGING FOR FASTER RESPONSE
To improve response times despite treacherous conditions throughout the service territory at ‘base camps. These staging grounds allow us to deploy resources quickly to the hardest-hit areas and keep restoration moving efficiently.
At the same time, our power plants have implemented their cold-weather plans, and line crews are fully prepared with fueled and stocked vehicles, ready equipment, and staged materials. Crews may also be strategically positioned in advance to ensure quick access even if conditions worsen. In addition, our teams are coordinating closely with local, state and federal officials as part of the shared community response effort.
This will be a significant winter event, but SWEPCO is prepared, and we are confident we’ll weather it together safely.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Stay Off the Roads: Please avoid unnecessary travel. Clear roads help first responders and our crews access work sites safely and restore power faster.
- Stay Safe: Avoid downed power lines and treat all wires as energized and potentially dangerous. Report downed lines and other safety hazards at SWEPCO.com or by calling 888-218-3919.
- Stay Informed: For the latest outage updates and safety tips, visit SWEPCO.com or use the SWEPCO mobile app.
- Report Outages: Download the SWEPCO app to quickly and easily report outages or report outages at SWEPCO.com.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work tirelessly to restore power. Our crews and those who have traveled hundreds of miles to help are committed to bringing the lights back on for every customer as quickly and safely as possible.
CUSTOMER PREPAREDNESS
SWEPCO is ready and we want our customers to be ready, too. Customers are urged to prepare now for winter weather and possible power outages:
- Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and keep children and pets indoors.
- If using a generator, follow all manufacturer instructions. Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
- Customers with medical equipment who rely on electricity should have a backup plan in place in case of prolonged outages.
- Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and flashlights readily available.
- Charge phones and essential devices ahead of the storm.
- Stay informed by following SWEPCO on social media and visiting SWEPCO.com for alerts and updates.
GET RESTORATION UPDATES
Customers are encouraged to log in to their SWEPCO account and make sure we have a current cell phone number and email address on file. This ensures we can reach you quickly if changing conditions affect your service.
We also encourage customers to subscribe to outage alerts and opt in to SWEPCO email updates so you receive real-time restoration information. When crews arrive at a work site, they enter a more precise restoration time into our system, and those updates are automatically sent to customers who are enrolled.
To update your information or sign up for alerts, visit SWEPCO.com/Alerts. You can also track the latest outage status anytime at SWEPCO.com/OutageMap.
SAFETY TIPS
- Stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
- Carefully investigate before cleaning up any debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- If using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I call SWEPCO to report my power outage?
Immediately after a major storm, report only safety hazards such as downed power lines or equipment that is sparking. Often, we’re already aware of damage to our systems such as transmission lines and distribution circuits. Your calls help us focus resources on hazards that are not automatically picked up by our monitoring systems.
You can also report an outage using our online form.
Want to be the first to know about outages? Subscribe to alerts.
What should customers do if they see downed lines?
Don't touch it or anything near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Keep yourself and others as far away as possible and call 911 or SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
How does SWEPCO handle tree damage?
Our tree crews are among the first responders as they clear trees from lines and equipment, so line crews can restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Don't attempt to remove tree limbs or debris yourself if it is within 10 feet of a power line. Also, if you notice downed power lines or sparking equipment, stay far away and call 911 and SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
STAYING CONNECTED
To receive the latest alerts and information from SWEPCO, customers should:
NEXT UPDATE
We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Updates will be provided at SWEPCO.com as well as other communication channels.