Based on questions that were submitted through various channels, we provided some information we hope is helpful in understanding the energy emergency.
What is a rotating outage?
Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service directed by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) when electricity-generating resources cannot meet the electricity demand in the region. Each electric utility was asked to reduce demand in an amount directed by SPP. Decisions on which areas are affected were...
LINCOLN — Due to an unprecedented energy demand during record low temperatures, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Lincoln Electric System’s regional reliability coordinator, has notified utilities within its regional footprint that energy curtailments are required. SPP declared an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3, which means utilities across the SPP region have been instructed to begin rotating controlled outages because there is not enough power available to keep up with customer demand. Rotating controlled outages are...
LINCOLN — LES stopped controlled outages after only going through two cycles. While LES hasn’t received additional requests from the Southwest Power Pool to curtail, we ask customers to remain prepared for rotating outages over the next 36 hours. Rotating outages, also known as rolling blackouts, are controlled, temporary interruptions of electricity that reduce demand on the system. They are typically limited to 30 to 60 minutes — but may last longer — before being...
LINCOLN — Lincoln Electric System asks customers to take steps to conserve energy in the next 48 hours due to low temperatures that are causing increased electricity and natural gas usage. The higher usage is putting a significant strain on these systems that could cause service reliability issues.
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), LES’ regional reliability coordinator, has notified utilities within its regional footprint that energy curtailments may be necessary. Such reductions would be used...
LINCOLN — Lincoln Electric System asks customers to take steps to conserve energy due to current and future low temperatures that cause increased electricity and natural gas usage. The higher usage is creating extremely high wholesale electricity and natural gas prices. These factors, along with reduced output from wind in the region to provide renewable energy, have prompted the utility to ask residential and business customers to take measures to reduce energy use.
LES closely...