Southwest Power Pool has declared Energy Emergency Warning Level 3, which is the highest warning level.
This means that its “operating operating reserve is below the required minimum,” officials said in a press release.
According to the Southwest Power Pool’s website, it “operates electric grids in 17 states, central and western, and provides on-the-spot services to customers on a contract basis.” These include Oklahoma.
According to a press release, Southwest Power Pool has “instructed its member utilities to be prepared to implement controlled interruptions to the service if necessary.”
“Controlled service interruptions are a last resort, and we’re taking the necessary steps to protect the continued reliability of the regional grid,” said Lan Fischer Lane Nickle, SPP’s executive vice president and chief rating.
This could mean rolling out blackouts for the Oklahomans, according to PSO officials.
According to a tweet from Southwest Power Pool, the company is instructing member utilities to implement controlled interruptions to the service immediately and effectively.
PSO-Oklahoma, OG&E, and every other power company connected to the Southwest Power Grid, are in a similar position.
They are asking consumers to limit electricity consumption, reduce demand, so as to avoid forcing them to shut down some circuits.
“If we get to that point, the idea would be to reduce the load, but not leave customers in the dark for an hour,” said Stan Whiteford of PSO-Oklahoma.
OG&E also asked customers to save energy in social media posts.
OG&E said customers can take small steps:
“[S]And lower than normal thermostats, if health allows; Avoid using main electric appliances; Turn off lights and appliances you don’t need or aren’t using. “
