TULSA, Okla. — Public Service Company of Oklahoma has activated its storm management processes and positioned over 1,000 workers strategically across the state as a winter storm approaches the region.
250 linemen are ready to respond following any potential outages. An additional 550 linemen have been requested through PSO's mutual assistance network.
PSO spokesperson Matt Rahn said the company expects less impact from this storm compared to ice events because current forecasts show primarily snow rather than ice accumulation.
"There's a big difference between an ice storm and a snow storm. Ice has a pretty big impact on the electric grid. It builds up on lines, builds up on trees near lines, and can definitely be detrimental, and can lead to power outages. Snow is a little bit more forgiving on the electric grid," Rahn said.
"It looks like that's what we're kind of expecting this weekend. The forecasts are showing mostly snow, maybe a little bit of ice down south, but you know, we're prepared for any weather, whether it be ice or snow."
PSO's top priorities during the storm include keeping power on, restoring service quickly in the event of outages, and ensuring crew safety in dangerous cold conditions.
The company asks customers to have patience while crews work during the storm. Customers who lose power can report outages on PSO's website and monitor restoration times through the company's website and social media channels.
Here are some safety tips from PSO for winter storms.
Safety Messages
- Always assume that any downed utility line is energized with deadly electric current.
- Stay away from the line and do not touch it with anything. Report it to PSO at 1-888-218-3919.
- Please do not approach crews and utility vehicles you see in your neighborhood to ask when power will be restored. Doing so could jeopardize your safety.
- Outward vision from the large utility vehicles can be limited. A crew may not see someone who has walked up to their work truck.
- Please note that all restoration estimates are for customers whose property is in condition to receive power. If the electric service entrance (meter loop) to your home or business has been damaged or pulled away from the structure, you will need to have it repaired by a licensed electrician before PSO can reconnect service.
Generator Safety
- Power Outage: If you use a generator, please follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Do not operate the unit indoors. Connect appliances directly to the generator’s electric outlets…not to the main electrical panel of your home or business unless you have had an electric load transfer switch installed to isolate your home’s wiring from PSO’s electric system. Otherwise, you jeopardize the safety of utility workers.
- Evacuation: Before you evacuate your house please disconnect (open) your home’s main electrical breaker after you turn off the generator. This will eliminate any possibility of the generator feeding power back into PSO’s electric system.
"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
