Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) established a basecamp in Natchitoches as part of its response to Winter Storm Fern, providing critical support for crews working to restore power across the region.

The Natchitoches basecamp is one of three set up throughout SWEPCO’s service territory and serves as a temporary home for linemen, tree crews, and support teams working around the clock. These basecamps function as rapidly deployed, self-sustaining “small cities,” offering housing, meals, showers, laundry, power, communications, security, and logistical support for workers.

According to SWEPCO, the basecamp model allows crews to remain rested, safe, and positioned close to damaged areas, helping speed up restoration efforts following widespread ice-related outages.

SWEPCO officials reported that crews have continued to make strong progress in the aftermath of the storm and expect power to be restored to approximately 95 percent of customers who can safely receive service on Jan. 28 by 10 p.m.