The arrival of the Siberian front with its strong winds and extremely low temperatures resulted in power outages in the OGE service area.
A Thursday update from the utility explained that the subfreezing temperatures were expected to remain through Christmas Da.
As of Thursday mid-morning, an estimated 4,200 customers were without electrical power, down from the peak of 6,400 overnight.
Most outages are due to high winds that have downed power lines as well as broken cross arms and poles.
The utility mobilized 950 personnel on Wednesday in preparation to respond to outages. A statement by OG&E said the current weather conditions were “dangerous” for those working outside and the company increased personnel to limit exposure to the elements.
The utility said its power plants were meeting customer demand for electricity. Winter preparations at power plants were completed in early November.
The company statement indicated it had increased fuel storage capacity and locked in a portion of its fuel purchases to mitigate any fuel cost increases.
OG&E will not disconnect service if the temperature is forecasted to be below 32 degrees in a 24-hour period and determined by city. Given the forecasts through the weekend, the firm said it will not disconnect service for any customer at least through Monday, December 26.
Guidance for Customers
We encourage our customers to have a safety plan for cold weather, including checking in on homebound and elderly neighbors and family. Make sure devices are charged, gas tanks are full and that you have blankets at the ready in vehicles. Find more severe weather preparation tips at OGE.com/stormprep.
A list warming stations in the OG&E service area is available for customers who may need to find a safe and warm place during this winter weather.
OG&E customers can sign up
Severe winds and extreme cold are expected to continue to move through OG&E’s service area this afternoon and through Friday, Dec. 23. Weather forecasts are calling for subfreezing temperatures to remain in the area through Christmas Day.
As of 10:15 a.m., we currently have approximately 4,200 customers without service, down from a peak of 6,400 overnight. Most outages are due to high winds that have downed power lines as well as broken cross arms and poles.
We mobilized 950 personnel yesterday to respond to outages across our service area. Our crews are working around the clock to respond to outages and restore customers’ power as quickly and safely as possible. Current weather conditions are dangerous for those working outside and we have increased personnel to limit exposure to the elements.
Our power plants are meeting customer demand for electricity. Winter preparations at power plants were completed in early November. Additionally, we have increased our fuel storage capacity and locked in a portion of our fuel purchases to mitigate any fuel cost increases.
OG&E will not disconnect service if the temperature is forecasted to be below 32 degrees in a 24-hour period and determined by city. Given the forecasts through the weekend, we will not disconnect service for any customer at least through Monday, December 26.
Guidance for Customers
We encourage our customers to have a safety plan for cold weather, including checking in on homebound and elderly neighbors and family. Make sure devices are charged, gas tanks are full and that you have blankets at the ready in vehicles. Find more severe weather preparation tips at OGE.com/stormprep.
A list warming stations in the OG&E service area is available for customers who may need to find a safe and warm place during this winter weather.
OG&E customers can sign up for