Electric industry officials say demand is up for power to keep cool as temperatures rise, but we’re not likely to see a situation similar to February when energy demand led to rolling blackouts.
Mark Becker with Nebraska Public Power District says while there may be a conservation alert in effect in most of Texas through the end of this week, circumstances now are much different than they were just a few months ago.
“Wind (generation) has picked up again, which wasn’t looking that good before (in February). So, they’re basically saying, we’re going to be in good shape,” said Becker. “We’re not going to see anything that requires any kind of drastic actions. But we would still like to say (to consumers), ‘Hey, to avoid your electric bill being up, this is what you might want to consider doing’.”
Those recommendations for keeping cool but at less expense include setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, limit heat-generating appliances, doing chores early or late in the day, and taking advantage of ceiling or box fans.
Becker tells KNEB News that at mid-morning Wednesday, NPPD was generating electricity in excess of firm customer demand, selling into the Southwest Power Pool’s wholesale market, purchasing back what was needed to meet the needs of municipalities, retail and wholesale customers, with the remainder generating revenue that helps keep local rates lower.
