Ozarks Electric Extends a Helping Hand After March Storms
Saturday, March 15, 2025
A devastating storm system swept through north Arkansas on March 14–15, leaving widespread damage in its wake. North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) endured its most significant challenge in years: nearly 12,000 members lost power, and dozens of poles were destroyed.
In the immediate aftermath, Ozarks Electric Cooperative stepped up. As part of a statewide mutual aid response, Ozarks sent 12 personnel to assist NAEC’s restoration efforts, working shoulder to shoulder with crews from over a dozen other cooperatives. Linemen faced grueling conditions, clearing debris and replacing poles amid challenging terrain to reconnect homes and businesses.
Their efforts contributed to a dramatic restoration turnaround: by the evening of March 15, power had been restored to nearly 9,000 NAEC members, though several thousand still remained without service as repairs continued.
This rapid response exemplifies the true spirit of cooperation that defines rural electric co-ops. When disaster strikes, Ozarks Electric proudly stands ready, not just as a service provider, but as a trusted neighbor committed to community resilience.
