Entergy has asked customers to reduce power use this morning because of potential power shortages in the supply system in which it participates.
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.
A winter peak demand doesn’t begin to approach demand in a hot summer, but I’m guessing generator outages are a bigger factor than increased demand.
The power company, which serves 700,000 in Arkansas, suggests lowering your thermostat, putting off laundry and (a little late for this) caulking and taking other steps to reduce the loss of heat from your home. No kidding on that last one.
