Louisiana electric cooperatives experiencing outages due to load shedding measures taken by grid operators

BATON ROUGE (February 16, 2021) – Due to the increase in power usage caused by the colder than normal temperatures and strain on the electrical infrastructure, our grid and transmission operators are no longer able to meet the demand of the network of transmission lines, and as a result load shedding measures have become necessary until further notice.  At this time, Louisiana electric cooperatives have not been given an estimated time on how long these load shedding outages will last.

To help conserve power, we are asking our members to do the following:

• Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees
• Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows
• Turn off and unplug all non-essential appliances and lights
• Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.)
• Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity consuming equipment as much as possible
• Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes

For your safety, ALEC reminds you to stay away from downed powerlines. Always assume they are energized. Contact the co-op to report downed wires or an outage. Do not clear any right-of-way to personal property until electric cooperatives clears right-of-way for you.  There are numerous life-threatening hazards as well as potential to do more damage to our system.  Please wait until your cooperative is available to clear a path for you.

If you plan to use a generator, remember generators should be hooked up properly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations by a licensed electrician with a switch that isolates the utility from the consumers generator.  Do not overload it and turn it off at night when you’re asleep or if you leave your home. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, place portable generators outside in a well-ventilated area, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. Never run a generator inside, not even in your garage. Do not connect the generator directly into your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.

To stay warm wear layers of loose-fitting clothes, blankets, and a hat to preserve body heat.  Use a carbon monoxide detector and ventilate gas/kerosene heaters.  Also do not use gas stoves/ovens to heat your home.

ALEC strongly encourages everyone to conserve energy over the next few days as the temperatures remain extremely cold.

Photo Credit: BECi Facebook Page