A message from our CEO

My name is Glen Clark, CEO and General Manager of Lake Region Electric Cooperative. Yesterday, the Oklahoma skies opened up once again and wreaked havoc across our service territory. From the moment the storm began, Lake Region employees stepped into action and started doing what they do best: serving our members. At the peak of the storm, nearly 6,000 members were without power. As of this update, that number has been reduced to 1,412, all remaining in Cherokee County. So far, we have counted 37 broken poles, along with extensive damage throughout our system. Our crews made tremendous progress through the night. They are rebuilding critical infrastructure in a matter of hours, infrastructure that took decades to build. As restoration continues, they have reached some of the more tedious and difficult repairs. Each broken pole, damaged line, fallen tree, and inaccessible location presents its own set of challenges.

I also want our members to understand the people behind this restoration effort. Many of our employees sustained major damage to their homes and property. Three of our employees suffered total losses of their homes during this storm. They do not have homes to return to this evening, yet they have been here working for our members since the storm came through. Another employee buried his grandfather yesterday. Immediately following the funeral, he returned to Lake Region to work alongside his coworkers. That is the kind of dedication happening behind the scenes. Lake Region, you can always find a better CEO. What you cannot easily find are people to replace these dedicated veterans and employees who know this system, know our communities, and continue to show up for our members even while facing tremendous hardships of their own. For these folks, I am forever grateful.

At this time, we do not have an estimated time for full restoration. We understand how difficult it is to be without electricity, especially in the summer heat, but we do not want to provide a timeline we cannot confidently meet. Our crews will continue working throughout the day and will not stop until restoration is complete.

To our members, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patience, encouragement, and understanding.

 

To our employees, mutual aid crews, contractors, and everyone working behind the scenes, thank you for continuing to show up for Lake Region and the communities we serve.

 

We will get through this together.

 

Sincerely,

Glen Clark, CEO/General Manager

Lake Region Electric Cooperative