Oklahoma’s major utilities are adding up the cost of the Sunday severe weather where 60 mile per hour winds toppled utility poles and downed power lines.
Oklahoma Gas and Electric reported that of the thousands of its customers who lost power due to the wind, 97% had the power restored within 12 hours.
As of early Monday afternoon, the utility said it had about 1,100 customers without power. Crews continued their restoration work on Monday.
The utility reminded customers that the high winds make working on the grid dangerous for its crews. OG&E crews work as quickly and safely as possible but often need to modify their work during wind events to keep our crew and customers safe. High winds present challenges and safety concerns, including:
· Limited use of bucket trucks or other aerial equipment because of increased risk to our crews in the air. This can delay power restoration efforts until crews can safely resume work.
· Need to completely deenergize lines before reconnecting or working on them during high wind events, given their mobility.
· Enhanced procedures to secure all vehicles and personnel involved in restoration when wind is an element our teams need to consider.