_f900x400.JPG)
Jul. 9, 2024
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) finished restoring power May 31 to those who could accept service after tornadoes and straight-line winds passed through May 25. Members without power topped 25,000 initially but decreased to 15,000 within hours once outside transmission service was restored to substations in the Salem and Mountain Home districts.
Storms broke 350 of the co-op's distribution poles and 10 transmission structures. The cooperative principle of “cooperation among cooperatives” was on display as more than 100 line personnel from Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri electric co-ops responded to NAEC's request for assistance. NAEC also had the help of its existing right-of-way contractors.
“Our co-op hasn't seen such a devastating weather event since the ice storm of 2009," CEO Mel Coleman said. "I'm proud of the work our employees and those helping us did to get our members back on as quickly and safely as possible. We also thank our members for their patience and understanding.”
NAEC is working with state and federal officials on disaster assistance. Estimated damages include $4,160,000 in Baxter County, $283,000 in Sharp County and $153,750 in Fulton County.
Many members shared their appreciation for NAEC employees' restoration efforts via social media, email and cards.
“Thanks to your great repairmen, we now have electricity again,” Lois Williams said on social media. “NAEC rocks! Stay safe!”
NAEC appreciates the following co-ops for sending line personnel to assist with outage restoration efforts:
NAEC extends thanks to the people and organizations that helped support outage restoration efforts. They include, but are not limited to:
