Encouraging energy use reduction through midnight, February 15th, and the following 48 hours.
Nebraska Public Power District, our wholesale electric provider, is asking that steps be taken to conserve energy use due to extreme low temperatures affecting the state and midwestern portion of the country. We encourage
Customers are asked to reduce any electrical usage effective immediately and through midnight, Feb. 15, and the following 48 hours to mitigate the risk of potential widespread and longer-lasting outages. The effects of widespread and extreme cold weather have led to increasingly tightening conditions in Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP) service territory which NPPD is a member.
Currently, NPPD is operating all available generating resources (coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, solar, etc) in order to meed demand. But voluntary conservation by consumer will provide added relief.
The following steps are encouraged:
- Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees and lower at night.
- Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. (If you receive warming sunshine through a south facing window, close curtains or drapes after the sun goes down).
- Turn off and un-plug non-essential lights and appliances, computers and printers.
- Close the fireplace damper when not in use to avoid losing heat through the chimney.
- Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
- 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. Charcoal and gas grills produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and even small amounts has potentially fatal results.