Outage Reporting

Coping with Power Outages

When a storm or other circumstance causes a power outage, immediate action is taken by Southwest Arkansas Electric to restore electric service as quickly and safely as possible. However, there are some steps you, as a part owner of this Cooperative, can take before, during and after a power outage that will make it easier to cope with the outage.

Confirm the Outage

Before calling the Cooperative, check lights and appliances in other parts of the house. If all your lights are off, check with a neighbor to see if their power is off. Checking with neighbors about their power before calling the Cooperative will help us determine how widespread the power outage is.

Automated Response Center
For Speed and Convenience
Report Outages
Report Meter Reading
Inquire About Account
(Toll Free) (888) 265-2743

Outage Response Center
Report Outages
Talk to a Customer Service Representative
(Toll Free) (866) 229-8474

General Office Response Center
Billing Questions
Administration
(Toll Free) (800) 782-2743*
General Manager, Wayne Whitaker
(Toll Free) (800) 782-2743
wwhitaker@swrea.com  

Texarkana District Office: (870) 772-2743*
Nashville District Office: (870) 845-1313*
DeQueen District Office: (870) 642-2737*

Bradley District Office: (870) 894-3329*
* Answered by Automated Response Center on nights and weekends

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Being Prepared for Power Outages

• Lightning: Keep a flashlight, candles or kerosene lamp in a convenient place where it can easily be found in the dark.
• Information: Have a battery-powered radio available so you will be able to receive local weather reports and news bulletins. Southwest Arkansas Electric works closely with local radio stations to keep the members informed about restoration efforts during major system contingencies.
• Food: Stock emergency food and related items along with a manual can opener. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent cold air from escaping.
• Protect Your Appliances: Turn off or unplug large appliances that come on automatically and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment such as VCRs, computers and TVs to avoid possible damage from lightning or a power surge. Leave a light fixture turned on in several rooms to let you know when electricity is restored.
• Play it Safe: Assume that any downed power line or anything the line touches is energized. Although they may be touching the ground, the line could become energized at any moment. Never attempt to move trees from power lines. Notify your Cooperative immediately of any downed lines and let them handle the situation.

After the Power is Restored
Wait a few minutes and then turn on a few appliances at a time to prevent a sudden inrush of current on the power lines.

Check food in refrigerators and freezers for signs of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.