Although a major winter storm is bearing down on the state, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) says it is not expecting widespread or lengthy power outages, but is prepared all the same.

PSO reports it has activated storm management processes and those will remain in place until the threat has passed.  PSO is also coordinating with local emergency management authorities, while continuing to monitor the forecast for potential weather-related impacts.

The company has 800 employees and contract resources in locations across its service territory ready to respond if needed, but cautions that hazardous driving conditions and increased safety measures to protect crews from prolonged exposures to sub-zero wind chills could slow response and restoration time to any outage that does occur.   

Fortunately, while significant snowfall totals are expected, the anticipation is that it will be a dry snow, which does not create nearly as much extra weight on power lines as wet snow or ice.

The extreme cold has resulted in some localized power outages this week, but nothing widespread or long lasting.  To report a power outage or safety hazard to PSO, call 1-888-218-3919, or go to www.psoklahoma.com/outages/.  For the latest updates and photos, follow @PSOklahoma on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Next Door.      

Use the following link to view a special message from PSO Distribution Vice President, Steve Baker: https://youtu.be/iFOdrptaw3Y.

About Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)

PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is an electric utility company serving more than 562,000 customer accounts in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.  Based in Tulsa, PSO has approximately 3,800 megawatts of generating capacity fueled primarily by natural gas.  It also maintains and operates more than 22,000 miles of distribution lines and 3,700 miles of transmission lines, and is one of the largest distributors of wind energy in the state.  Find news releases and other information at www.PSOklahoma.com.  Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PSOklahoma.