(FOX 8/WVUE) Entergy is asking all customers to conserve power to prevent rolling black outs.
Entergy customers have been asked to reduce their electricity usage on Thursday between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator is making this unusual request because use of electricity could exceed available generation, due to higher than expected demand for power and unexpected power generator outages within the MISO southern territory, according to a news release issued by Entergy.
MISO is working to bring on additional generation in the area, according to Entergy.
The higher than expected demand is due to the unusually cold temperatures that moved into the territory over the past few days.
“We apologize for any inconvenience,” said Dennis Dawsey, Entergy’s vice president for customer service in Louisiana. “The arctic blast is driving up electricity usage. This is an unusual situation MISO is working to correct as soon as possible.” Dawsey added that the request does not apply to elderly customers or those with special health concerns.
Some ways residential customers can reduce electricity usage include:
- Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
- Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing, etc., until later in the day.
- Don’t allow warm air to escape from the home. Check caulking around doors and windows and fill holes and gaps where wiring and pipes enter the house.
Entergy New Orleans, LLC is an electric and gas utility that serves Louisiana’s Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 198,000 customers and natural gas to more than 106,000 customers.