News

At first glance, utility poles seem like just another part of the rural landscape — simple wooden structures lining the roads and pastures of our region. But these poles are the backbone of our electric grid, supporting the lines that bring safe, reliable power to your homes, farms and businesses every day.

Unfortunately, they are also vulnerable to preventable damage from a variety of sources. We’ve seen an increase in incidents involving stubble burns from fields, accidental collisions with farm equipment and car accidents.

The consequences of a downed utility pole extend far beyond a temporary inconvenience. A damaged pole can lead to widespread power outages, leaving entire neighborhoods without electricity for extended periods.

Beyond outages, the hazards associated with a damaged pole are severe. Live power lines can fall to the ground, creating extremely dangerous situations that can cause serious injuries or even be fatal if touched. Downed lines, even if appearing harmless, should always be treated as energized.

Keep these in mind:

Stubble burns: Never burn stubble or conduct controlled burns too close to utility poles or guy wires. The heat and flames can weaken the pole structure or ignite the poles, leading to a complete failure. Always maintain a safe distance and have fire suppression readily available.

Farm equipment: Be acutely aware of the height and width of your farm equipment when operating near power lines and poles. Be mindful when widening ditches or field entrances. Show farm employees and seasonal workers where utility infrastructure is located. Look up and around before maneuvering large machinery.

Vehicle accidents: In the unfortunate event of a car accident involving a utility pole, never exit your vehicle unless there is an immediate threat of fire and you are absolutely sure no downed lines are touching your car or the ground around it. Assume all lines are energized. Call 911 immediately, and wait for emergency personnel and our crews to arrive.

Always report damage: If you witness any damage to a utility pole, no matter how minor it seems, or if you see a downed power line, stay away, and call 911 immediately. Your quick action can prevent a dangerous situation.

Responsibility for damages: It’s important to understand that individuals who cause damage to utility infrastructure — whether through negligence, accidents or unsafe practices — may be held financially responsible for the cost of repairs. Being aware of your surroundings and taking proper precautions not only protects lives but also helps avoid costly liabilities.

The law states: Intentionally damaging, destroying or tampering with electric utility equipment is a punishable offense under state law (Arkansas Code § 5-38-206) and may also be subject to federal penalties under 18 U.S. Code § 1366.

Our infrastructure is a shared community asset.

By exercising caution and adhering to these safety guidelines, you can help us maintain a reliable and safe power supply for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting our vital infrastructure and, in turn, protecting your family and neighbors.