Staying Prepared: Energy Emergency Alerts Explained

Did you know all electric utilities whether big or small are connected to a larger grid? Much like an airport, there is a type of traffic control operator for every grid. The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is a regional transmission organization  and the regulatory authority mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to oversee the regional electric grid and coordinate electric reliability. Their job is to work generation and transmission utilities (G&Ts) and ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale electricity prices across 14 states.

SPP is responsible for declaring and communicating energy emergencies related to capacity within its region to manage, alleviate, or end an energy emergency. When all available electric supply power generation resources become insufficient to meet consumer demand, SPP issues formal alerts based on the SPP Energy Emergency Alert Level system.

Lane-Scott Electric is a distribution cooperative. We do not generate power for our members but purchase it from Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, our G&T provider, based in Hays, KS. Sunflower, when mandated by the SPP to enforce Energy Emergency Alerts requiring power interruptions, will curtail energy through controlled interruptions across their service territory.

Interruptions are a safety protocol to prevent the collapse of the regional electric grid and are used as a last resort to safeguard greid reliability and further and more severe outage situations. Controlled power interruptions are not coordinated at the distribution level; therefore, we cannot predict exactly where and when each interruption will happen. Members should prepare for and expect each interruption to last anywhere from 30-90 minutes. Typically, interruptions will not happen at one location more than once.

SPP's three levels of Energy Emergency ALerts (EEA):

EEA Levels

 

 

SPP and Sunflower Map

Maintaining a Reliable Grid - A Delicate Balance

The electric grid operates on a delicate balance between the electricity being generated and the electricity being consumed. If the demand surpasses the supply, which can happen during extreme weather events, the system becomes strained. This strain can lead to voltage instability, equipment damage, and even cascading failures throughout the grid. A complete blackout could occur if the demand continues to exceed the available capacity.

Voluntary Conservation:

During EEA2, and sometimes EEA1, SPP will direct Sunflower to make appeals to the public to conserve energy, and Lane-Scott Electric will relay these messages to our members. By curtailing your energy usage during these events, you contribute to the overall resilience of the grid and help prevent potential disruptions that could affect not only your household, but your community. It is a shared responsibility to use resources wisely during times of increased demand or limited supply. 

A few ways you can contribute at home:

  • Consider adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Every little bit helps. The recommended range is 78 or more during hot weather and 60-68 during cold weather.

  • Unplug unused devices. Many electronics consume energy even when not in use. 

  • Delay using large appliances such as dishwashers, hot water heaters, and laundry machines.

Controlled Temporary Power Outages

If the strain on our energy system remains after the public effort to conserve energy after an EEA2 is issued, SPP may issue and EEA3 as the last and critical step to stabilize the grid during high demand.

During an EEA3, SPP directs generation and transmission utilities across SPP to implement temporary, rotating power interruptions to prevent the system from reaching its breaking point. These interruptions, called load sheds, are strategically implemented by grid operators. Load shedding involves systematically cutting power to different areas for short periods. This intentional reduction in demand helps prevent the electric system from overloading and potential equipment failures and gives the grid a chance to stabilize, as well as prevent extensive power outages.

Unfortunately, there is typically no advance notice of the load sheds to local distribution utilities such as Prairie Land and its members because Sunflower must implement rotating outages immediately upon being directed to do so by the SPP.

If you experience a controlled power interruption, here are a few tips:

  • Turn off and unplug electronic devices to avoid power surges when the power comes back.

  • Use battery-powered lights instead of candles for safety.

  • During cold weather:

    • Wear layered clothing to preserve body heat. Use blankets and extra clothing to stay warm.

    • Gather in one room to conserve heat, and close off unused rooms.

    • If safe, use alternative heating sources like fireplaces or wood stoves.

  • In high temperatures:

    • Take a cold shower or use cool cloths on your neck and wrists. Avoid sunlight and enjoy cool treats. Hydrate.

    • Cook outside on your grill or propane flat-top.

    • Close the doors of unused areas that don't have vents or registers, as well as curtains and blinds.

We want to thank you in advance for helping protect the stability of the electric grid and safeguard energy reliability.