By BOB GIBBINS
TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ozarks Electric Cooperative officials said Wednesday they hope to have power restored to all members in the next few days.
Penny Storms, communications and media relations manager for Ozarks, said 98 percent of members who suffered power outages after the Jan. 26 ice storm are back online. She said 300 outages remain in Oklahoma and fewer than 1,000 in Arkansas.
Ozarks has more than 60,000 meters and serves portions of eastern Cherokee and all of Adair County.
Some members had power knocked out by the thunderstorms Tuesday night, but most of those outages have been repaired. Crews will continue to work the area until all power is reinstated.
“We estimate as many as 500 services have damaged meter loops and poles, and a number of them are waiting for their service wire to be reconnected,” Storms said. “Anyone who does not have meter loop or service entrance issues should have power by Sunday.”
Crews from Lake Region Electric Cooperative Inc. were sent to Ozarks coverage area to help restore power after LREC’s customers were restored. Ozarks officials have said they appreciate the cooperation of the other entities who helped, and the customers for their patience, while the restoration effort continues.
