utilities

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission issued an emergency order late Wednesday telling gas and power companies to prioritize their service during prolonged freezing temperatures.

The order does not direct companies to cut off anyone specifically.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thousands of Oklahoma residents were without power Sunday after severe thunderstorms ripped across parts of the state overnight.

Oklahoma Gas & Electric reported nearly 27,000 clients were without electricity late Sunday morning following storms that tore down branches and knocked out power lines. The utility company warned some people could be without power for more than a day.

According to a trade association, rural electric cooperatives provide power to 1 in every 8 Americans, and the industry faces dire numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic, with an estimated loss of $7.4 billion in revenue.

For Cotton Electric Cooperative, which powers 22,000 meters across eight Oklahoma counties from its headquarters in Walters, that could spell trouble.