MiEnergy Cooperative issues a peak energy alert; MISO issues alert for Thursday

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 23. 

MiEnergy is working closely with Dairyland Power Cooperative, its wholesale power provider, to monitor grid reliability. MISO – the regional transmission operator – has declared an alert for Thursday, August 24, signaling that 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. 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 (August 24), 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.