LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One energy provider in Southern Indiana is advising customers to be prepared for potential interruptions in service this summer as the season heats up.
With extremely high temperatures forecasted this week, Jackson County REMC says energy usage levels could go above normal and potentially cause power outages
A spokesperson from Jackson County REMC said due to the retirement of coal generation and the move to more renewable energy sources, the pace of generation hasn’t kept up with the retirements.
“Generation reserves are typically available for unexpected events that impact the balance of supply and demand on the system,” they said. “But they aren’t as large as they once were.”
This situation, Jefferson County REMC said, is what increases the chance for electric companies to ask customers to use less energy to prevent large-scale power outages.
The spokesperson said if the supply/demand issue becomes too great, the Midcontinent Independent System Operation (MISO), which operates the electrical grid in the middle part of the U.S., will order short-term rolling blackouts.
These 15-30 minute blackouts are used as a last resort effort to preserve the operational integrity of the grid and reduce the risk of longer, widespread power outages.
“As your electric cooperative,” the company said on its website. “We will do everything in our power to prevent the collapse.”
Jefferson County REMC said MISO would first ask the company to reduce its load on the grid, which is when consumers may be asked to cut back on their power usage.
Here’s what you can do to help reduce your power usage:
- Consider cutting back on your energy usage during peak times (typically 2-8 p.m., Monday through Friday)
- Set your air conditioner thermostats up a couple of degrees
- Put off running dishwashers, clothes dryers, pool pumps and other non-essential electric devices during this period.
The company said it will relay messages to its consumers to use less energy when the demand is high and supply is tight.
“If you have a medical condition that requires electricity, make sure you have a backup plan in the event of a large-scale blackout event,” the company warned on its website.
Jackson County REMC also said if these rolling blackouts occur, it will affect the entire region.
LG&E later said there is sufficient generation capacity to meet customers' anticipated energy demand. However, they have suggestions on how to save money on people's energy bills.
Some of those steps include:
- Check air condition unit annually
- Program the thermostat at a stable temperature
- Seal any leaks
- Use fans
- Close curtains, drapes and blinds in sun-facing windows
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