01/30/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/30/2023 12:03
News Center > Entergy Arkansas prepping for severe winter weather operations
01/30/2023
Entergy Arkansas is staging crews, equipment and supplies in areas of the state likely to be the hardest hit in the coming days based on a forecast for sleet, freezing rain, and ice accumulations. In the event of power outages, the local workforce consisting of scouts, vegetation crews, linemen and more is prepared to begin restoration as quickly as they can safely do so. Additional resources from other mutual assistance energy companies have also been requested.
Extra weight on power lines caused by ice can cause them to fall or stretch, possibly causing power interruptions. While Entergy Arkansas manages growth of trees and bushes near electrical equipment, one half-inch of ice can increase the weight of a tree limb as much as 30 times, causing even smaller limbs to bend or snap, falling onto power lines and causing an outage.
Additionally, wet and icy roads can make travel hazardous for crews. In the event of power outages, crews will begin assessing damages, then repairing equipment and restoring power as quickly as it is safe to do so.
Customers should prepare now
It's important to be prepared at your home or business for freezing weather and possible power outages with a basic emergency supply kit, along with a family emergency plan. Act now to winterize your home or business with some simple steps like insulating water pipes, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and ensuring fire extinguishers are ready for use.
Entergy Arkansas storm prep happens year-round
Arkansas was plunged into sub-freezing temperatures the last two winters at about this same time, causing scattered power outages. Entergy continually reviews its data and processes and indentifies ways to be more prepared for prolonged freezes.
Each of the company's power plants has a customized plan to support fleetwide winter preparedness efforts, including:
Stay informed in several ways
An important part of weathering a severe storm includes staying informed before, during and after an event. To stay current on our preparations and restoration efforts:
Safety after the storm
Stay away from downed lines
Remember, one-half inch of ice can add 500 pounds of weight on power lines, as well as tree limbs which could then fall onto power lines and people. It's safest to avoid the area near ice-laden power lines and tree limbs; however, if you see downed or low-hanging lines, stay away, and call 1-800-9OUTAGE to report them.
Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 728,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), an integrated energy company engaged in electric power production, transmission and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to 3 million utility customers through its operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy owns and operates one of the cleanest large-scale U.S. power generating fleets with approximately 24,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including 5,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy has annual revenues of $10 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.
-30-