North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) is encouraging its members to prepare for potential winter weather and freezing temperatures expected in the coming days.
While the National Weather Service’s Little Rock office has reduced the likelihood of freezing rain and snow in NAEC’s service area on Sunday, well-below-average temperatures are forecast through next Friday.
NAEC CEO Mel Coleman emphasized the cooperative’s readiness for severe weather and says they maintain a healthy stock of poles, transformers, and other equipment staged throughout the territory. Coleman adds that recent upgrades to power lines and substations have enhanced NAEC’s ability to handle extreme conditions.
In case of widespread outages, NAEC has access to additional line and right-of-way personnel through mutual aid agreements with contractors and other electric cooperatives in Arkansas and nearby states.
As a distribution cooperative, NAEC purchases electricity from Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), which works with regional transmission organizations MISO and SPP. These organizations manage multi-state power grids and can mandate power curtailments if demand exceeds supply during extreme weather events.
While NAEC has never been required to curtail power, Coleman noted that some Arkansas co-ops have faced this in recent years due to changes in energy generation. He cited the closure of coal plants and the reliance on intermittent sources like solar and wind as factors contributing to supply challenges.
To help members prepare for potential outages, NAEC recommends keeping emergency kits with essentials like food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Those using electricity-dependent medical devices should have a contingency plan.
Safety remains a top priority during winter storms. NAEC advises against traveling during outages and reminds members to report downed power lines by calling 870-895-3221.
Members can report outages through the NAEC app or by phone and find updates on Facebook or through local media.
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