Sikeston BMU, other utility companies urge users to conserve power

Monday, February 15, 2021

Extreme cold across the area is leading to strain on the local power grid and Sikeston BMU and other utility companies are asking for help from residents.

According to a release from Sikeston BMU, due to the winter storm and extreme cold weather conditions, Southwest Power Pool (SPP) could start directing member utilities to implement controlled interruptions of service.

“At this time, Sikeston BMU is not under any order to do so, but BMU is asking our customers to conserve energy to help reduce the demands on the power grid,” the release stated. “This request comes from the regional reliability coordination of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).”

In order to help, residents are being asked to:

• turn down their heat a few degrees

• delay the use of large appliances or turn them off

• shut off lights that are not needed

SPP is a regional transmission organization that oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market in the central United States on behalf of a diverse group of utilities and transmission companies in 17 states.

“If we all do our part, we can help avoid power outages during this extreme cold,” the release stated. “The Sikeston BMU crews and staff are working during these extreme conditions to maintain our grid and support our neighbors.

“Thank you to several of our local industries who are changing some of their operations in an effort to help alleviate some of this strain on our grid.”

The city of New Madrid is also encouraging residents to reduce their electricity use and are encouraging residents to keep thermostats between 65-67 degrees and limit major appliance usage.

“Our crews have been monitoring our system, and we are holding well so far.,” said a statement from the City of New Madrid. “The heavy demand, however, could create a problem and also make it harder to get power restored quickly if we were to lose power. We are all cold, but please help by doing a little to conserve.”

SEMO Electric is also encouraging its users to reduce electric use by:

• turning the thermostat down four degrees

• turning off nonessential electric appliances and lights

• turn electric water heaters off or set to 120 degrees

• use towels or blankets to block cold air entry points, particularly around doors and windows

• close curtains and blinds; insulate with plastic sheeting, cardboard or a blankets

• bundle up in the warmest room of the home with layers of clothing and blankets.

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