CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Energy companies are facing greater demand for power as much of the country experiences dangerous, record colds. Some companies have implemented ongoing power outages in several states and this could affect Iowans.
Our coverage partner at KCCI-TV reports that companies claiming disruptions are part of the Southwest Power Pool, which consists of a group of utilities in 14 states, including Iowa. Much of western Iowa is served by the Southwest Power Pool.
The Humboldt-based Corn Belt Power Cooperative says there can be regular 45-minute power outages.
MidAmerican Energy is asking its customers to save their natural gas consumption during the extreme cold. The company said its systems work as expected, but the flow of natural gas to Iowa has been affected due to frozen wells in the southern U.S. The energy company said it is working with its largest customers to ensure uninterrupted gas services for residential customers.
Alliant Energy said it has enough supplies to supply natural gas and electricity to its customers.
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