As low temperatures drive up demand for power, Entergy customers in Arkansas are being asked to reduce their electricity usage for a six-hour period this morning.
In a Wednesday statement, Entergy said its power reliability coordinator, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, has requested that customers conserve their electricity usage from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. today.
The statement said periodic blackouts would be required if the power supply cannot meet the demand.
Entergy described the request as "unusual" and said the power reliability coordinator is making similar requests to utilities in the Midwest. Cold weather was credited with the higher-than-expected demand for power, according to the statement.
"The arctic blast is driving up electricity usage. This is an unusual situation [Midcontinent Independent System Operator] is working to correct as soon as possible," said Melanie Taylor, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas Inc., in the statement.
Taylor said the request does not apply to customers with special health concerns or the elderly.
Metro on 01/18/2018