Due to an unprecedented energy demand during record low temperatures, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Lincoln Electric System’s regional reliability coordinator, has notified utilities within its regional footprint that energy curtailments are required. SPP declared an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3, which means utilities across the SPP region have been instructed to begin rotating planned outages because there is not enough power available to keep up with customer demand.
Rotating planned outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service implemented by utilities when it is necessary for SPP to reduce demand on the system. This type of demand reduction is only used as a last resort to preserve the reliability of the electric grid.
Rotating planned outages are typically limited to 30 to 60 minutes — but may last longer — before being rotated to another location. LES asks customers to continue to voluntarily and safely implement one or more energy-saving measures listed on LES.com.
Updates will be provided on LES’ Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day.
To look at current outages, visit LES.com.