January 26, 2026
6:00 p.m. ET

More than 65,000 mutual assistance workers from at least 44 states and Canada are operating around the clock and already have made significant restoration progress in the states impacted by Winter Storm Fern, with more than 370,000 customers already restored. 

"It's really a unified effort," EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney told CNBC this morning when discussing the industry's mutual assistance response. "I think it's really important for everyone to understand the coordination with federal, state, and local officials...to get power up as quickly as possible during this historic ice storm."

As restoration progress continues, mutual assistance crews will continuously be reallocated to the most impacted communities until every customer who is able to receive power is safely restored.

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, including investor-owned electric companies, electric cooperatives, and public power utilities.

Safety Is the Industry's Top Priority

Assessing damage and restoring power will take time in the areas with the most fallen trees and ice accumulation. The energy grid is highly interconnected, and even if customers do not see crews in their neighborhoods or on their streets yet, essential repairs are underway.

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 affected by the winter storm are reminded to:

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and debris. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized. Immediately report downed lines to your electric company.
• Stay clear of ice-covered trees and branches. Remember that ice is heavy, and branches and trees can fall long after the storm has cleared.
• Keep roadways clear in order to enable damage assessors and restoration workers to do their jobs.
• Follow all recommended precautions if using a personal generator. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, other enclosed areas, or anywhere exhaust fumes can enter enclosed spaces.
• Be aware of scammers and remember that your electric company will never request upfront payment or a reconnection fee in return for restoring your service.