Due to extreme and extended cold temperatures, Access Energy Cooperative’s generation  cooperative system, and many utilities throughout the region, continue to exceed all-time high demands for electricity.

We are all urged to be very conservation with the energy we are using for the rest of this week.

These extreme conditions could have the potential to cause intermittent service disruptions. Should this happen in our area, we could experience 30-40 minute increment rolling blackouts within our system. Power would be expected to come back on for an hour before it is interrupted again. Taking steps to decrease your power usage will help, as we navigate this extreme weather event.

What can you do to help?

• Turn down your thermostat a few degrees and use a blanket or warm clothing to stay warm. This also helps relieve your HVAC system and lower your bill.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters not necessary. Reduce space heater use if possible.
• Limit use of larger appliances such as clothes dryers or dishwashers.
• Use smaller kitchen appliances like toaster ovens, microwaves and slow cookers, rather than the range or oven.
• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
• Unplug unused electronics and chargers.
• Turn off lights you don’t need.

We appreciate your efforts to help us save energy as we all manage through this historic week.

Use all the power you need – but need all you use.