Reflecting on the cooperative’s response, the dedication of employees and the support members showed during one of this summer’s most challenging weather events.
When severe windstorms swept through Cleveland County over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 8,000 Oklahoma Electric Cooperative members and OEC Fiber subscribers lost electric or internet service. While the damage was extensive, OEC crews responded immediately, working around the clock to safely restore service and rebuild damaged infrastructure. The storm also demonstrated why OEC continues investing in a stronger, more resilient electric and fiber system.
Built to withstand Oklahoma weather
The Fourth of July weekend is usually filled with cookouts, fireworks and time with family. This year, Mother Nature had other plans.
Powerful windstorms tore through Cleveland County, snapping poles, tangling lines in fallen trees and damaging both electric and fiber infrastructure.
Although the storm created significant challenges, our system performed remarkably well considering the extreme conditions. Winds exceeding 90 mph are difficult for any utility system to withstand, but these are exactly the kinds of events we prepare for through ongoing investments in maintenance and system improvements.
An all-hands restoration effort
At the height of the restoration effort, more than 100 linemen, fiber technicians and contractors worked together to restore service.
Crews rebuilt poles, cleared vegetation from miles of line, installed new electric and fiber cable and completed fiber splicing in heat that felt like 100 degrees.
The effort extended well beyond the field. Even our network operations center temporarily lost power and required system reboots, yet employees behind the scenes continued coordinating restoration efforts so crews could remain focused on safely restoring service.
Members made the difference
While the damage was significant, what stood out most was the response from our members and subscribers.
Throughout the restoration process, members showed remarkable patience, encouragement and understanding. One member even delivered homemade banana pudding to our crews, a thoughtful gesture that meant far more than she probably realized.
Kind comments on social media and words of appreciation reminded every employee why this work matters, especially during long days in difficult conditions.
What being a cooperative means
Moments like these highlight what makes an electric cooperative different.
When severe weather strikes, everyone comes together with one shared goal: restoring service and helping neighbors.
Whether rebuilding poles, answering phones, coordinating logistics or offering encouragement, every person contributes to serving our members.
Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your trust throughout the restoration effort. We never take that trust for granted.
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