By Mark Becker, Nebraska Public Power District
Updated at 1:15 p.m.
SPP has declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1 for its entire 14-state balancing authority area.
Generation is currently sufficient to serve system-wide demand across the region and to fully satisfy operating reserve requirements.
We continue to urge all homes and businesses throughout our 14-state region to conserve electricity, but are not directing any interruptions of service at this time.
The public should follow their service providers’ directions regarding local outages, tips for conservation and safety.
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Updated at 9:09 a.m.
There had been anticipation that SPP would go to Level 3 at 9 a.m. We have been able to avoid service interruptions this morning but things may change quickly. SPP is currently remaining at a level 2. We will keep you informed if things change. We appreciate our customers efforts to continue conserving energy.
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Nebraska Public Power District will be moving to Emergency Level 3 at 9 a.m.
Rolling blackouts will be conducted throughout the NPPD service territory with power being out for 45 minutes or longer in various locations until further notice.
We will have very little, if any, notice of where these interruptions may take place.
System constraints are managed by SPP reliability coordinators and its member utilities.
Energy Emergency Alerts include three levels. Level 1 indicates all available generation resources are in use. Level 2 indicates load management procedures are in effect. Level 3 indicates firm load interruptions are imminent or in progress.
NPPD is asking customers to conserve energy. The record cold forecast is putting a high demand on the electrical system. Follow these tips to reduce your energy usage:
- Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees and lower at night.
- Close shades and blinds.
- Turn off and un-plug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
- Avoid using large appliances
- Business should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Do not connect a generator to your home's electrical system. Consult a licensed electrician.
- Do not use any grilling equipment for heat indoors