Fern

Winter Storm Fern

Crews Working Diligently to Restore Power

January 28, 2026
6:00 p.m. ET

“Tens of thousands of brave workers from America’s electric companies continue to work day and night to restore power,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. “While we’ve made significant progress—with power restored to approximately 685,000 customers—we know that there is work to be done in the hardest-hit communities. We are closely monitoring the restoration process, and we are working diligently to ensure help gets to those who need it most.”

Electric company crews have been working around the clock since Winter Storm Fern first made impact on January 24. Watch a compilation of the industry’s commitment to customers here.

Power restoration is a team effort, and strong industry-government coordination and cross-sector collaboration are critical. The CEO-led Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council will convene again this evening to ensure unity of effort at the highest levels of government and across all segments of the industry.

Committed to Customers

As restoration progress continues, crews will be reassigned to the most impacted communities until every customer who is able to receive power is safely restored. Some customers may not be able to receive power to their homes because of damage. If fallen trees or heavy ice damaged the point where wires connect to a customer’s home or business, inspections by a licensed electrician may be required before power can be restored.

Customers are reminded to be cautious of ice-covered trees and branches, which can fall long after the storm has cleared, and to be aware of scammers. Electric companies will never request upfront payment or a reconnection fee for restoring service.

Resources

Press Release: Electric Power Industry Mobilizes, Coordinates Closely on Winter Storm Fern Response

The Steps To The Power Restoration Process

Every electric company has a detailed plan for restoring power after storms. Typically, one of the first steps is to make sure that power is no longer flowing through downed lines. Restoration then proceeds based on established priorities. Below are the steps to restore power after a storm. Learn More.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

Power Plants

Power Plants Power plants, the primary source of power production, are assessed for damage and restored.

Step 2

Transmission Lines

Transmission Lines High-voltage transmission lines serving thousands of customers over wide areas are repaired.

Step 3

Substations

Substations Substations are brought online in order for power to reach local distribution lines.

Step 4

Essential Services

Essential Services Power is restored to essential services and facilities critical to public health and safety such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police departments, and water systems.

Step 5

Large Service Areas

Large Service Areas Crews are dispatched to repair lines that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. Service lines to neighborhoods, industries, and businesses are restored systematically.

Step 6

Individual Homes

Individual Homes Once major repairs are completed, service lines to individual homes and smaller groups of customers are restored. Some customers may not be able to receive power to their homes because of damage. Flooding can damage electrical systems, and inspections by a licensed electrician may be required before a home can receive power. Customers should never touch damaged equipment.

January 22, 2026

EEI Storm Center

Winter Storm Fern

Resources

Mutual Assistance Networks Activated and Ready to Respond

Winter Storm Safety Tips

Mutual Assistance: 5 Things to Know

Preparing for Power Outages

Emergency Outage Kit

Understanding the Electric Power Industry's Response and Restoration Process

Videos

Drew Maloney Discusses Winter Storm Fern Response on CNBC

Alabama Power Company

ComEd

Duke Energy

Entergy

Exelon

FirstEnergy

Georgia Power Company

LG&E and KU Energy

Oncor

Pepco

Tampa Electric

The Steps To The Power Restoration Process

Photo Gallery

TNMP

Appalachian Power Company

Southwestern Electric Power Company

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana

Oncor

TNMP

Appalachian Power Company

Entergy Mississippi

Oncor

Appalachian Power Company

Appalachian Power Company

LG&E and KU Energy

Mississippi Power Company

TNMP

TNMP

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana

TNMP

AEP Ohio

AEP Texas

Dominion Energy

Georgia Power Company

Georgia Power Company

Oncor

Oncor

PNM

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

Public Service Company of Oklahoma

PECO

Pepco

Oncor

BGE

Cleco

Delmarva Power

Entergy

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana

TNMP

American Electric Power

Consolidated Edison

DTE Energy

Entergy Texas

Entergy Texas

Indiana Michigan Company

Oncor

PECO

Public Service Electric & Gas

TNMP

American Electric Power

Oncor

Southwestern Electric Power Company