With temperatures soaring across much of the country, federal officials have taken steps to help ensure the electric grid can keep up with increased demand.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently issued an emergency order at the request of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a regional transmission organization that helps coordinate electricity across 17 states, including a portion of northwest Louisiana.
Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis says the order allows some power plants to temporarily generate more electricity than they normally would under certain operating restrictions. It also allows grid operators to call on large industrial customers and data centers with backup generators to help reduce pressure on the system.
"It's really about staying ahead of demand before it becomes an emergency," Lewis said.
The order mainly affects the Shreveport area, which is part of the Southwest Power Pool. Most of Louisiana is served by a different regional grid, but Lewis says the situation is a reminder that utilities are closely monitoring electricity use as temperatures climb.
The concern isn't just the heat, it's the sheer number of air conditioners running at the same time, combined with planned maintenance at some power plants and the possibility of unexpected equipment failures.
To help ease demand, Lewis encourages residents to:
- Raise the thermostat a few degrees when no one is home.
- Run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers during early morning or late evening instead of the afternoon.
- Turn off lights and electronics that aren't being used.
- Consider installing a smart thermostat, or check with your utility about programs that may help cover the cost.
Those small changes, Lewis says, not only help reduce stress on the electric grid but can also lower monthly energy bills.
While officials say there is no immediate threat of widespread blackouts, they're taking proactive steps now to help ensure the lights, and the air conditioning, stay on through what is expected to be another stretch of intense summer heat.
