AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Xcel Energy and electric cooperatives in several areas have declared an Energy Alert, urging customers to cut back on electricity use.
The alert is in effect until August 19 at 10 p.m.
According to a news release, Xcel Energy and electric cooperative only declare Energy Alerts when a reduction in electricity use is urgently needed to maintain the electricity system and service to customers.
“We are making a public appeal to our customers to turn off lights and appliances unless it would harm their health,” said Adrian Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “We take our responsibility to supply energy to our customers very seriously, and we declared this Energy Alert only after exhausting all other options. Our customers have helped us through similar situations in the past, and we look to them today to help us maintain the integrity of their electricity system.”
You can reduce your electric load by:
- Turning off air conditioning or increasing your thermostat to 85 degrees and slowly lowering the setting after 7 p.m. to a more comfortable temperature.
- Put off household chores that involve electrical appliances including dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, vacuum cleaners and more until after 7 p.m.
- Put off tasks at work that would demand electricity like using power tools and maintenance equipment.
- Turn off televisions and electronic equipment unless they are necessary to conduct business or to ensure your health and safety.
- Turn off unnecessary lighting. Leave on only enough to move safely indoors.
Xcel reminds the public that elderly people or people with health concerns should not turn off their air conditioners.
Xcel Energy and the electric cooperatives forecasts show that, unless customers cut back on use, electricity demand will exceed the amount of electricity the companies will be able to supply. This could result in controlled electric service interruptions within the region.
The Energy Alert was declared after all other efforts to reduce electricity demand were implemented, including:
- Bringing as many power plant generating units online as possible
- Buying as much electricity as possible from other utilities
- Reducing electricity use as much as possible at Xcel Energy power plants and office buildings
- Interrupting power to industrial and agricultural customers who signed up for lower, interruptible rates
- Asking other commercial and industrial customers to reduce their energy use
Copyright 2024 KFDA. All rights reserved.
