January 11, 2021 - SWEPCO has restored power to almost half of Louisiana and East Texas customers impacted by Sunday’s winter storm. As of 5:30 p.m. Monday, about 34,000 customers remained without power.

More than 400 line and tree personnel from SWEPCO, its sister company Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and outside contract crews are working to restore service.

January 11, 2021 - Approximately 38,000 SWEPCO customers are without power as heavy, wet snow blankets East Texas and Louisiana.

Most outages are being caused by tree branches weighed down by snow coming into contact with a power line. Safety devices automatically de-energize the power lined when this occurs.

January 7, 2021 - The first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant has been identified in a resident of Harris County. The adult male resident, who has no history of travel, was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Results of genetic sequencing this week showed that the infection was caused by the variant. The case is being investigated by Harris County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

January 7, 2021 - With the beginning of the 87th legislative session fast approaching, my staff and I are gearing up to do the work of the people at your Texas Capitol. Though this session will certainly look different than past sessions, we are prepared to do this important work on behalf of Senate District 3. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. FCC announces $362 million in funds to expand broadband in rural Texas

January 7, 2021 Austin - State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) announced today their intent to file legislation aimed at expanding access to critical broadband services throughout the State of Texas. The forthcoming bill will affirm the state's commitment to closing the digital divide for Texans who lack either access to internet service or the means to subscribe to the services offered in their community.