SWEPCO Expects 95% Restoration Completion Tonight

SWEPCO Expects 95% Restoration Completion Tonight

Crews will continue to work until power is restored to all customers.

 

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Available raw footage includes:

• Launchpad of restoration operations in Natchitoches
• Damage throughout the region   

 

What You Need to Know   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.    In Mansfield, La. and Hornbeck, La, crews continue to tackle Winter Storm Fern’s icy aftermath.   At its peak, Winter Storm Fern caused 68,928 outages across SWEPCO’s three-state service territory, which has since been reduced to roughly 2,900. The icy impacts from Fern dealt a blow to the region with heavy ice accumulation on power lines and trees that caused significant damage.    Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and keep children and pets indoors.   Now is the time for customers awaiting power restoration to determine whether their home can receive power. Customer-owned service equipment such as damaged weatherheads will require a licensed electrician to repair before service can be restored.   We sincerely thank our customers, first responders and elected officials for their patience and understanding as we work diligently to restore power. ​

               

 

CURRENT SITUATION

SWEPCO crews are making strong progress following Winter Storm Fern and expect to restore power to 95 percent of customers who can safely receive service by 10 p.m. tonight. Teams will continue working around the clock until restoration is complete for all remaining customers.

 

At the storm’s peak, Fern caused 68,928 outages across SWEPCO’s three-state service territory. That number has now been reduced to roughly 2,900 as crews overcome heavy ice accumulation on power lines and trees that created widespread damage and hazardous travel conditions.

 

The hardest hit areas of Mansfield and Hornbeck, Louisiana, are still experiencing significant icy damage, where crews remain actively engaged in repairs.

 

While restoration is moving forward, heavy ice and tree damage and continued tree hazards mean some locations will take more time. In some cases, damage to customer-owned service equipment such as weather heads or meter bases may require repair by a licensed electrician before power can be safely restored.

 

We understand how difficult extended outages can be, and we appreciate your patience. Our crews remain fully committed to making more progress and restoring power to every customer affected as quickly and safely as possible.

 

We sincerely thank our customers, first responders and elected officials for their patience and understanding as we work diligently to restore power.

 

RESTORATION UPDATES

Estimated Times of Restoration (ETRs)

Because of icy roads, crews must travel safely and slowly. Outage statuses on SWEPCO’s outage map may stay on “Assessing” longer than usual.

 

Valley District

• Hornbeck / Leesville area: 10 PM Tonight
• Mansfield: 10 PM Tonight

 

CUSTOMER RESOURCES

As repairs continue, SWEPCO is working closely with local officials to make warming stations available on our outage map so customers can find safe places to go if they need shelter.

 

GET RESTORATION UPDATES

Customers should log in to their SWEPCO account to make sure we have an up-to-date cell number and email. Accurate contact information helps us reach you quickly if conditions change. We also encourage customers to sign up for outage alerts and SWEPCO email updates for real-time restoration information.

 

Update your information or subscribe to alerts at SWEPCO.com/Alerts. You can also check outage status anytime at SWEPCO.com/OutageMap.

 

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.

 

CAN YOU RECEIVE POWER

Now is the time for customers awaiting service restoration 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. Click for a flyer in English & Spanish. Learn how to identify weatherhead damages by watching this video. ENGLISH | SPANISH

 

 

 

CUSTOMER PREPAREDNESS

• 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.

 

NEXT UPDATE

This is the final update.