If there is extensive damage in Louisiana over the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Francine, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company crews are there to assist with electrical power recovery.
Nearly 150 line crew members left Oklahoma early Wednesday morning representing OG&E stations from Oklahoma City, Enid, Ardmore, Muskogee, Kellyville, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. The company indicated the crews and restoration personnel could spend up to two weeks in hard-hit areas of Louisiana, if the damage is as extensive as forecasters predicted.
“Our crews will arrive ready to assist in repairs and power restoration throughout affected areas of Louisiana,” said Chad Guthrie, OG&E Director of Distribution Construction. “Mutual assistance requests allow us to support other electric companies across the nation as a trusted partner while working efficiently to help our neighbors in need.”
Entergy Louisiana requested support and is urging its customers on the Gulf Coast to prepare for potential power outages, particularly in south and southeast Louisiana, where the storm’s greatest impacts are expected.
“At OG&E, we know the gravity and impact severe weather can have on a community and we understand the vital need for people to have electricity,” said Andrea Dennis, OG&E Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations. “Our crews are prepared to react and provide support and expertise to help restore power to those impacted by the hurricane. We are humbled by our crews and all of the restoration personnel who are taking time away from their families to fulfill this important duty and are honored to work alongside other electric companies to provide such a meaningful service.”
OG&E’s last deployment for mutual assistance was in July when teams helped with restoration efforts in south Texas following widespread damage caused by Hurricane Beryl that left more than a million customers without power.
Source: OGE release