LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Lincoln Electrical System (LES) has announced rolling blackouts due to the extreme cold and demands on the electrical grid.
The Nebraska Public Power District is asking that all utility customersconserve energy. Rotating power outages could happen elsewhere in the state if energy consumption is not reduced.
As of Monday afternoon, Southeast Lincoln was temporarily out of power. Parts of Bellevue also spent some time without power. According to OPPD board member, Craig Moody, power should be restored in Bellevue soon.
Update on @OPPDCares outages as required by @SPPorg:
— Craig Moody (@craigmoody) February 15, 2021
I'm told service to all customers should now be restored. Let me know if you're still out.
@SPPorg declared an Energy Emergency Alert. These maps tell the story. The purple blob in map 1 (temps) pretty much matches the red blob in map 2 (SPP footprint), which explains why every utility, including @OPPDCares, is asking customers to conserve.
— Craig Moody (@craigmoody) February 15, 2021
Please do what you can. pic.twitter.com/ikkbM0T7mH
We need your help conserving energy—NOW. The bitter cold temperatures have increased demand for energy across the Plains region, even south into Texas & Oklahoma. Much as it does in summer, high demand can put additional strain on our system. Learn more: https://t.co/a4uRs48HqW. pic.twitter.com/4FLrxvaEqg
— OPPDCares (@OPPDCares) February 15, 2021
We ask customers to conserve energy due to low temps that cause increased electricity and natural gas usage. The higher usage is creating extremely high wholesale electricity and natural gas prices. Follow one or more of these tips to reduce your energy use! #LNK, #publicpower pic.twitter.com/bfmsJ3vGz3
— Lincoln Electric Sys (@LESupdates) February 14, 2021
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. (3/5)
— Lincoln Electric Sys (@LESupdates) February 15, 2021
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 https://t.co/cwoD48wdSp. (4/5)
— Lincoln Electric Sys (@LESupdates) February 15, 2021
Updates will be provided on LES’ Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day. (5/5)#PublicPower #PoweringLNK #Outage
— Lincoln Electric Sys (@LESupdates) February 15, 2021
LES provided the following update, warning customers that other outages may occur over the next 36 hours:
LES stopped controlled outages after only going through two cycles. While LES hasn’t received additional requests from the Southwest Power Pool to curtail, we ask customers to remain prepared for rotating outages over the next 36 hours. Rotating outages, also known as rolling blackouts, are controlled, temporary interruptions of electricity that reduce demand on the system. They are typically limited to 30 to 60 minutes — but may last longer — before being rotated to another location. Customers may experience an outage more than once in the next 36 hours. Locations of controlled outages are determined by load shed requirements from SPP, which happens in minutes.
If you are without power for more than one hour, it may be an outage outside of this situation. Please report your outage at [LES.com/report]LES.com/report or 1-888-365-2412. If you require medical devices or other technology, be sure to follow your backup plan.
Energy conservation is critical during this time. LES asks customers to continue to voluntarily and safely implement one or more energy-saving measures in your home or business listed on [LES.com]LES.com. Updates will be provided on LES’ Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day and evening.
