Edison Electric Institute (EEI) recently awarded Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) two Emergency Response Awards recognizing the electric company’s restoration efforts following tornados, derechos and hurricanes.

OG&E’s response to the tornadoes in Oklahoma in April was recognized with a Recovery Award when a team of 500 crew members worked swiftly and tirelessly to restore power to 150,000 affected customers within 48 hours, repair 120 miles of power lines and replace 300 poles, living their unwavering commitment to service and community.

Helping other electric companies during the Houston derecho/windstorm and Hurricanes Beryl, Francine, Helene and Milton, OG&E was recognized with four Assistance awards. A total of 1,250 OG&E crew members provided critical aid to other electric companies, repairing 530 miles of power lines and replacing 1,060 poles to several Southeastern states including Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida.

“OG&E energizes life for the customers, communities we serve and beyond,” said Sean Trauschke, Chairman, President and CEO of OGE Energy Corp. “Our dedicated crew members put our customers first by restoring power to Oklahomans following storms and to thousands more recovering from the devastating hurricanes and windstorms. The OG&E team is always ready to help our neighbors, and these awards exemplify our commitment.”

“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “EEI commends OG&E for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of significant tornado damage across Oklahoma and devastating landfall of Hurricanes across the southeast.” 

“I had the privilege of personally visiting OG&E crews and witnessing their unwavering commitment to restoring normalcy for those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Scott Moore, senior vice president of power delivery at Alabama Power Company. “The crews’ dedication in traveling to Georgia and sacrificing time with their own families to assist those in dire need exemplifies the spirit of our industry. OG&E is a great example of the positive impact that mutual assistance efforts have on the utility sector. Thank you, OG&E, for your hard work and dedication to service."

The EEI awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events.

OG&E­­­­, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., provides our customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas with the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes with some of the nation's lowest electric rates. We are committed to generating and delivering electricity, protecting the environment, and providing excellent service to approximately 900,000 customers. Our employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.