UPDATE: Entergy has reported that everything is back to normal now.
The company requested consumers reduce their electricity usage on Thursday, January 18, due to colder weather that moved into the Arklamiss over the past few days.
The company was worried excessive amounts of electricity being used would exceed available generation.
The issue has been fixed.
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Our power reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, is requesting Entergy customers voluntarily reduce their electricity usage on Thursday, Jan. 18, between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. MISO is making this unusual request because use of electricity could exceed available generation, due to higher than expected demand for power and unexpected power generator outages within the MISO southern territory. MISO is working to bring on additional generation in the area.
The higher than expected demand is due to the unusually cold temperatures that moved into the territory over the past few days.
MISO is making similar requests to utilities across the Midwest, including other utilities near our service area. If the power supply cannot meet the demand, then periodic power outages would be needed.
“We apologize for any inconvenience.” said Spokesperson, CSVP, “The arctic blast is driving up electricity usage. This is an unusual situation MISO is working to correct as soon as possible.” Spokesperson added that the request does not apply to elderly customers or those with special health concerns.
To balance the power demand with supply, Entergy has special agreements with some industrial and wholesale customers that allow for power curtailments. Some ways residential customers can reduce electricity usage include:
· Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
· Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing, etc., until later in the day.
· Don’t allow warm air to escape from the home. Check caulking around doors and windows and fill holes and gaps where wiring and pipes enter the house.
