Jonesboro, AR (JonesboroRightNow.com) – January 12, 2024 – In the wake of severe rain, wind, and hail that swept through Northeast Arkansas on January 11th, Craighead Electric Cooperative Corporation (CECC) and empower Broadband faced significant challenges with approximately 1,400 members left without electric and internet services. The disruption was attributed to the destruction of 40 poles, stretches of downed lines, and extensive damage to the distribution infrastructure across the region.
Collaborating with City Water & Light, Paragould Light Water & Cable, and SEC, CECC and empower swiftly mobilized restoration efforts, successfully re-establishing service to over 1,280 affected members.
Jeremiah Sloan, CEO of CECC and empower, emphasized the organizations’ immediate focus on fully restoring services. He also underscored their commitment to remaining vigilant in preparation for potential extreme weather conditions forecasted for the upcoming week, including heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures. Sloan prioritized the safety of both members and employees throughout this process.
While service restoration efforts are underway, Sloan advised members to make necessary arrangements in anticipation of possible extended outages in the coming days.
Established in 1937, Craighead Electric Cooperative serves approximately 31,000 meters across eight counties in Northeast Arkansas. The cooperative, which operates offices in Jonesboro, Walnut Ridge, and Paragould, prides itself on being locally owned and managed, with a dedicated team of 108 employees. Additionally, the cooperative’s wholly owned subsidiary, empower Broadband, boasts over 30 employees and serves more than 14,000 internet subscribers, furthering their commitment to providing essential services to the community.