SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Here is the latest update from the Southwest Power Pool concerning regional power outages.

On February 16th, (SPP) declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2. An EEA Level 2 requires (SPP) to direct its member companies to issue public conservation appeals. The alert will remain in effect until further notice. Currently, (SPP) has enough generating capacity online to meet system-wide demand, but this step is being taken to mitigate the risk of outages.

(SPP’s) forecasts anticipate that due to high load and persistent cold weather, it is likely its system will continue to fluctuate between EEA levels over the next 48 hours and may require issuance of controlled interruptions of service. We will send further notification if this is necessary.

While (SPP )works to maintain regional reliability, we continue to urge our member companies to instruct consumers across our service territory to conserve electricity at home and work, and to follow their local utility’s directions regarding safety, conservation, and potential outages.

Thank you for your continued collaboration as we navigate this historic winter storm together. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) will continue to monitor the situation and to pass along any information we receive from (SPP.)

Joni Livingston
Vice President of Member Services & Communications
Missouri River Energy Services

Extreme winter weather conditions across the nation are causing energy shortages in the Southwest Power Pool’s 14-state footprint. As a result, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) has been directed by (SPP), its reliability coordinator and market operator, to reduce load to preserve the system. In this unprecedented situation, (WAPA) utility customers in the Upper Great Plains region have been experiencing power outages.

All (WAPA) utility customers are equally affected in the region and need to be prepared for unexpected outages through Thursday as record low temperatures continue to cause surges in energy use.