Last month, tornadoes tore through southeast Norman, damaging poles and powerlines and causing slews of outages. At the height of the storm, about 15,000 members were without power, but when the power goes out, so do we.
Crews went out as soon as the storms passed on Sunday, Feb. 26 and restored power
to most members by the following Monday afternoon. A day later, almost all members’ power and fiber services were restored. The in-the-moment problem-solving it takes to restore power quickly, safely and correctly is a true testament to the dedication and strong will it takes to do the work lineworkers do. It is safe to say we would not exist without the dedication our lineworkers demonstrate and the pride they take in doing their job well. Thank you to each and every one of them and their families for safely keeping our lights on.
Please be sure to thank a lineworker if you see one working in your area this month. April 10 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day.
Regarding linework, vegetation management is another essential part of managing our electric system. We work hard to ensure trees, bushes and other vegetation can live safely in tandem with our lines and poles. Our two on-staff arborists help ensure we maintain our rights-of-way with careful consideration of the vegetation we come in contact with. You can learn more about our approach to tree trimming and vegetation management, as well as download our tree-planting guide and other resources at link.okcoop.org/treeandveg
This is also why we work with the Arbor Day Foundation to be a Tree Line USA Utility. To achieve this certification, utilities follow industry standards for quality tree care, provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices, sponsor a tree-planting and public education program, maintain a tree-based energy conservation program, and participate in an Arbor Day celebration. You can read more about this here.
Whether it’s ice, tornadoes, or overgrown trees, we continue to do everything we can to ensure our members can rely on the power and services we provide.
Share this article
Want more Co-op News?
Right Tree, Right Place | OEC News
Learn how planting the right tree in the right place can save up to 20% on energy costs for homeowners. OEC is committed to safe and reliable energy and provides tips on proper vegetation management practices.
Engaging Education | OEC News
OEC and OEC Fiber sponsored a STEM Maker Night featuring hands-on making and STEM activities focused on electricity, attracting over 100 attendees. Engage Learning’s project-based learning approach provides students with real-world problem-solving skills, inspiring a new generation of innovators.
Power You Can Count On | OEC News
Recent data shows that OEC members experienced an average outage time of 65.1 minutes for the entire year, exactly half of what it was in 2016, while investor-owned utility customers were without power 175 percent longer. OEC’s score of 58.1 places us in the top 20 percent of most reliable electric co-ops in the nation. Learn about our efforts to provide safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service.
Powering Up | OEC News
Winter Storm Uri left a trail of destruction in the United States, especially in the utility industry. Find out how fuel costs, demand charges, and other factors affect your electricity rates and what Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is doing to ensure reliable access to power at an affordable cost.