Louisiana gives back to Arkansas

Following a series of storms in Louisiana over the past few weeks, Louisiana is sending crews to our sister cooperative in Arkansas, reciprocating their recent support in our restoration efforts.

In line with the cooperative principles, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, DEMCO, and SLECA are traveling to North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, located in Salem, Arkansas, to help with restoration efforts. Louisiana cooperatives are working under the nationwide mutual aid agreement with the coordination of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative was hit with severe thunderstorms that took out an estimated 13,000 members. NAEC serves approximately 36,000 members with over 4,500 miles of line and 27 different substation sites in eight counties.

“It’s our turn to help Arkansas. They’ve sent many crews to Louisiana in the last few weeks. We’re happy to reciprocate the help,” said Ricky Melancon, Safety Coordinator for the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives.