CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ark. — Early Friday morning, an unexpected outage knocked out power for almost 1,000 homes and businesses across Crawford County. The Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative (AVEC) confirmed that crews are on the ground, working around the clock to bring service back to every customer.
Outage details and current status
AVEC reported that the cause of the outage is still under investigation, but the utility has mobilized repair teams from its regional hubs. As of the latest update, fewer than 100 customers remain without electricity. The cooperative is prioritizing critical facilities such as hospitals, water treatment plants, and emergency shelters.
What residents can do
While crews continue repairs, AVEC urges residents to take basic safety precautions:
- Turn off and unplug appliances to avoid a surge when power returns.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
- Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
- Report any downed power lines or hazardous conditions to AVEC’s 24‑hour hotline.
Community response
Local churches, schools, and neighborhood groups have opened their doors as temporary warming centers for families without heat. Several small businesses have offered free coffee and charging stations for customers waiting for power to return.
AVEC’s commitment to reliability
The Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, a member‑owned utility serving over 100,000 customers in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, emphasizes its long‑standing commitment to reliable service. In recent years, AVEC has invested in grid modernization, including underground lines and smart‑grid technology, to reduce the frequency and duration of outages.
Looking ahead
AVEC plans to release a full report on the cause of Friday’s outage once the investigation is complete. In the meantime, the cooperative asks residents to stay patient and to follow updates posted on its website and social‑media channels.
For a live map of current outages and restoration progress, visit AVEC’s outage map.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
