Ozarks Electric’s Service Territory

If you’ve ever wondered why your neighborhood is served by Ozarks Electric but a mile down the road (or even across the street) isn’t, it comes down to how electric service territories were formed and regulated.

Before Ozarks Electric was formed in 1938, electric power was already available in cities and larger towns. In Fayetteville, these population centers followed major roads, primarily what are now highways 71, 412, 16, 62 and 45. These areas were served by investor-owned utilities because they were more profitable and easier to reach. Towns and farms grew up around those hubs to fill out the Ozarks territory. 

Over time, the Arkansas Public Service Commission and Oklahoma Corporation Commission officially assigned each utility’s territory. Those original lines are still protected, which is why service areas don’t overlap, even between close neighbors.

Arkansas Counties Served
Washington  |  Madison  |  Benton | Franklin  |  Crawford

Oklahoma Counties Served
Delaware  |  Cherokee  |  Adair  |  Sequoyah