A series of recent national news reports have created public anxiety about the cost, availability and reliability of power supply this summer. These reports have included warnings about forced electric blackouts and how extreme heat in Texas could have a ripple effect on energy resources across the nation.
Despite the concerning nature of these stories, we are well positioned for the summer thanks to proactive planning, system redundancy and a healthy fleet of generating units.
First, we access a resource network that is physically separate from Texas’ network. The situation in Texas will not impede our ability to provide power to the community.
Second, we have plans in place to cover our electric demand this summer. For example, our large electric generating units are available and healthy thanks to preventative and scheduled maintenance conducted during non-peak use periods, such as spring and fall.
From a regional perspective, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) has indicated our region has sufficient resources and enough generating capacity to meet projected demand.
Beyond this summer, we have initiated a major update to our Sustainable Energy Plan that includes transmission line upgrades and substation improvements to create a resilient electric grid well-suited to meet future demands, changing regulations and technological advancements such as battery storage and microgrids.
On a larger scale, we are on track to join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) in August to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale electricity prices. SPP is a regional transmission organization and a nonprofit corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to help organizations like ours meet these goals.
As customers, you can do a few simple things to stay cool with or without air conditioning – a major contributor to utility costs during the summer. These steps not only help save you money, but they can also reduce risk to our electric infrastructure during periods of peak demand.
- Change your cooling system’s filter every 30 days and schedule a qualified contractor to perform an annual check-up.
- Earn a $50 rebate on qualifying ENERGY STAR smart thermostat models.
- Program your thermostat to 78 degrees when home and higher when away.
- Portable and ceiling fans are an efficient alternative to air conditioning.
- Using window coverings during the day will keep your home cooler, especially where direct sunlight comes in. Make sure ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down.
- Wait until the cooler evening hours to run large appliances.
- Grill outdoors instead of turning on the oven.
Read more efficiency tips.
