Jonesboro, AR. — January 12, 2024 (5:30 p.m.) —
Following severe rain, wind and hail which moved into Northeast Arkansas on January 11th, Craighead Electric Cooperative Corporation (CECC) and empower Broadband had approximately 1,400 members without electric/internet service.
The organizations contribute the loss of service to 40 broken poles, spans of downed line, and extensive damage to the distribution infrastructure in the region. With the help from City Water & Light, Paragould Light Water & Cable, and SEC, service has been restored to more than 1,280 members.
CEO of CECC and empower, Jeremiah Sloan, stated, “Complete restoration of services is our immediate focus, and then we will continue to focus our attention on remaining prepared for the possibility of extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall moving into our area next week. The potential impact of upcoming weather is concerning, and we keep the safety of our members and employees at the forefront.” Sloan also cautions members to make necessary arrangements should the area have extended outages in the days to come.
Craighead Electric Cooperative serves approximately 31,000 meters in eight counties in Northeast Arkansas. Incorporated in 1937, the cooperative operates offices in Jonesboro, Walnut Ridge, and Paragould. The locally owned and managed organization has 108 employees. The cooperative’s wholly owned subsidiary, empower, has over 30 employees and serves just over 14,000 internet subscribers.
For additional information, contact:
Marti Lynn Hook, Craighead Electric Cooperative, 870.932.8301, mhook@craigheadelectric.coop www.craigheadelectric.coop
###
