Southwestern Electric Power Company has mobilized more than 2,300 linemen, forestry workers and other employees to respond to Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring significant snow, ice and frigid temperatures to the region this weekend.
The utility company, which serves more than 500,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, including the Texarkana area, said crews are positioning equipment, testing backup systems and preparing to work around the clock until power is restored to all customers.
SWEPCO’s preparation for winter weather extends beyond immediate storm response. In 2025, the company inspected approximately 80,000 utility poles, replaced about 16,000 poles and trimmed more than 1,300 line miles of vegetation to reduce potential outages.
In October 2025, crews from all three states gathered in Bossier City, Louisiana, for a full-scale storm response drill that simulated a major ice storm. The exercise allowed teams to practice pre-staging equipment, coordinating logistics and developing restoration strategies.
“Storms are unpredictable,” said Brett Mattison, SWEPCO President and COO. “Training like this ensures we’re ready for the unexpected — and ready to keep the lights on and power flowing for the communities we serve.”
SWEPCO encourages customers to prepare by updating contact information in their accounts, subscribing to outage alerts and reviewing family emergency plans. Storm preparation and safety tips are available at swepco.com/safety.