HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Cooperative Energy has been asked by our reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to request that our end users curtail their electricity usage on January 18 between 5:00am-11:00am. The severe temperatures are causing a critical shortage of electricity in the mid United States region. This voluntary reduction of usage will hopefully result in a sizeable reduction in load on our electric system.
It would be helpful if members could turn off all non-essential lighting, appliances and electronics as well as lower thermostats to 68 degrees. Also, if possible, please reduce use of water heaters, electric ovens, washing machines and dryers. These efforts will help reduce the demand for electricity and would be appreciated. This appeal for assistance does not apply to anyone with special medical needs.
MISO is making these requests to utilities not only in Mississippi but throughout the mid-south. If this situation does not improve, the next step will be to enact the generation and transmission cooperative’s emergency load reduction plans, which may result in a loss of electricity for members on a rotating basis. This would be a last resort and we prefer to reduce electricity demand without taking this step.
Cooperative Energy serves as the only not-for-profit wholesale electric power provider headquartered in Mississippi. In this role, Cooperative Energy generates and transmits electricity for 11 Member distribution systems located in the southern and western portions of the state. Cooperative Energy and its 11 Member cooperatives provide power to more than 423,000 homes and business across the state.