OG&E investigates power surge damage to El Reno family's home

Contractor's mistake during work on neighboring home allegedly caused thousands in appliance and electronics damage

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:52am

An El Reno family claims that an OG&E contractor accidentally cut a wire while performing work on a neighboring home, leading to a power surge that has rendered most of their appliances and electronics unusable. The family is now working with the utility company to investigate the incident and seek compensation for the damages.

Why it matters

Power surges can cause significant and costly damage to a home's electrical systems and connected devices. This incident highlights the importance of utility companies exercising extreme caution during maintenance and repair work to avoid such issues, which can be disruptive and financially burdensome for homeowners.

The details

According to the family, an OG&E contractor was performing work on a neighboring home when they accidentally cut a wire, triggering a power surge that impacted the family's residence. The surge reportedly left most of the family's appliances and electronics, including their refrigerator, television, and computers, unable to be used.

  • The incident occurred on March 10, 2026.

The players

OG&E

A public utility company that provides electricity to customers in Oklahoma.

El Reno family

The family whose home was impacted by the power surge caused by the OG&E contractor's mistake.

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What’s next

OG&E has stated that it is investigating the incident and will work with the family to determine the cause and extent of the damage, as well as any potential compensation.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of utility companies exercising extreme caution during maintenance and repair work to avoid causing unintended damage to customers' homes and property. Homeowners should also be aware of their rights and the process for seeking compensation in such situations.