Reliability you can brag about

When Winter Storm Fern swept across Oklahoma in late January, it brought the kind of snow, ice, wind and bitter cold that puts any electric system to the test. For Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives, it was another reminder of why reliability is a promise to the members we serve.

I’m proud to say Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives kept that promise.

At the height of the storm, outages were minimal compared to the severity of conditions, and those that did occur were restored swiftly and safely. By the afternoon of January 26, every account that could safely receive power had been restored. That’s a testament to the preparation, training and dedication of co-op lineworkers and support staff across the state. These are the people who showed up in dangerous weather so their neighbors could stay warm, safe and connected.

Storm Fern came in waves. The first outages appeared early on January 24, with the greatest impact in McCurtain County. A second wave of ice and freezing rain followed on Sunday morning, January 25, causing additional outages in southeastern Oklahoma, particularly in McCurtain and Delaware counties. Even as conditions worsened, crews never stopped. They worked around the clock, navigating dicey roads and hazardous lines to restore power as quickly as possible but always putting safety first.

This level of performance doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s the result of year-round planning, system upgrades, vegetation management and mutual aid agreements that allow cooperatives to mobilize quickly when trouble strikes. It’s also why we worked ahead of the storm to share preparedness information with members to help families get ready before the first flakes fell.

We also know that after a storm like this, high electric bills are a real concern. Cold weather drives up energy use, especially when heating systems run nonstop. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how responsibly we operate. Keeping the lights on during extreme conditions helps prevent even greater costs that come with prolonged outages, equipment damage or emergency repairs.

Reliability matters most when conditions are at their worst. During Winter Storm Fern, Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives delivered exactly what members expect: dependable service, rapid restoration and an unwavering commitment to safety.

When the storm hits, your co-op is ready. We’re proud to be here for you at the end of the line.

By Nicki Fuller

General Manager | Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives