LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Customers of the Nebraska Public Power District and Lincoln Electric System are being asked to take steps to save energy consumption due to current and future low temperatures affecting the state and the Midwestern part of the country.
LES has asked customers to take steps to save energy due to the current and future low temperatures that are causing increased electricity and natural gas consumption. The higher consumption creates extremely high wholesale prices for electricity and natural gas. These factors, coupled with the reduced production of wind in the region to produce renewable energy, prompted the utility industry to ask customers of homes and businesses to take measures to reduce energy consumption.
NPPD has asked customers to reduce electrical usage immediately and until midnight February 15 and the next 48 hours to reduce the risk of possible widespread and prolonged outages. The effects of widespread and extreme cold weather have led to increasing conditions in the service area of Southwest Power Pool which is NPPD member.
NPPD currently operates all available generation resources to meet demand, but calls for voluntary conservation by electrical consumers.
Electrical consumers can do the following to help without endangering safety:
• Turn thermostats down to 68 degrees and lower at night.
• Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Turn on and off non-essential lights and appliances, computers and printers.
• Close the fireplace valve when not in use to lose heat through the chimney.
• Avoid using large appliances (ovens, washing machines, etc.).
• Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and equipment for electricity consumption.
• Do not connect a generator to the electrical system of your home. Consult a licensed electrician.
• Do not use grilling equipment for heat inside. Charcoal and gas grills produce large amounts of carbon monoxide and even small amounts have potentially fatal consequences.
How LES customers can help:
• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees at night or if you are away from home for more than four hours. If you have a heat pump, do not reset the thermostat by more than 3-4 degrees.
• Make sure that air registers are not obstructed by furniture, floor coverings or curtains.
• Open shades and curtains on sunny sides of your home or business during the day. Close them at night.
• Hold windows tightly. Seal windows and exterior doors with weather syrup.
• Close the fireplace valve when not in use to lose heat through the chimney.
Do not use a wood-burning fireplace for additional heating, as it draws hot air from a house through the chimney to light the fire.
• If you are using a portable space heater, switch off the central heating thermostat to offset the energy consumed by the heater.
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