SHREVEPORT, LA – Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is positioning crews and resources to respond to the potential impact of Winter Storm Cora, expected to bring hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, to the region on Thursday.
Preparation Underway
SWEPCO teams, including power plant operators and line crews, are reviewing winter weather protocols to ensure they are ready to respond quickly and safely. More than 1,000 additional utility personnel, including tree crews from neighboring states, have been activated to assist in storm response.
Already, more than 500 on-site and contract crews are stationed in areas predicted to experience significant ice accumulation, such as Texarkana and Longview. Additional resources are on standby to assist the hardest-hit areas once damage assessments are completed.
Customer Safety Guidelines
SWEPCO urges customers to prepare for the storm and follow these safety precautions:
- Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Avoid touching anything in contact with the lines, including trees, fences, or puddles of water.
- Keep children and pets indoors during and after the storm. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any downed power line.
- If using a portable generator, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe operation.
- Customers relying on life-support systems or other essential medical equipment should have a robust backup plan in case of prolonged outages.
Stay Informed and Access Resources
SWEPCO encourages customers to sign up for outage alerts to receive timely updates and helpful information. For storm safety tips and guidance on what to do before, during, and after the storm, visit SWEPCO.com/Safety.
Support for Winter Heating Costs
For customers concerned about winter heating expenses, SWEPCO provides tools and resources at SWEPCO.com/billhelp. Income-qualified residents can also apply for assistance through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To locate a local LIHEAP office, use the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) Service.
As Winter Storm Cora approaches, SWEPCO remains committed to minimizing disruptions and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. Customers are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to ensure their safety and preparedness.