MiEnergy Cooperative issues a peak energy alert; MISO escalates alert to event 

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN— A Peak Alert has been issued due to high demand for electricity on the regional grid. MiEnergy Cooperative is calling for electricity conservation from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, August 24. 

Members on the co-op’s energy management programs for air conditioning, irrigation and dairy water heaters will be affected during that timeframe. 

MiEnergy is working closely with Dairyland Power Cooperative, its wholesale power provider, to monitor grid reliability. MISO – the regional transmission operator – has escalated its maximum generation alert from yesterday to a maximum generation step 2 event for today from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.  This signals grid reliability may be at risk. In other words, the amount of electricity available on the grid is critically low and may not be able to meet the demand for electricity. Members participating in the co-op’s energy management programs for standby generation and residential water heaters may see devices automatically activated. If activated, auto-start standby generators will receive notification two hours in advance of a four-hour interruption.

According to MISO, for the first time in over a decade, all major cities across its footprint will experience their hottest forecasted temperatures on the same day, intensifying peak load numbers. 

Members can help by shifting electricity use to 6 p.m. or later today.
•    Turn off or unplug all non-essential lights, televisions, electronics and other appliances.
•    Cook food in a microwave or grill instead of using a stovetop or oven.
•    Raise your thermostat (increase A/C level) as much as you are safely able. 
•    Shift high electricity use activities, such as laundry, vacuuming and running the dishwasher until demand has decreased.
•    Delay electric vehicle charging.