Entergy Arkansas customers asked to conserve electricity

Entergy Arkansas customers are asked to voluntarily reduce their electricity usage, especially between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This unusual request is due to the demand for electricity potentially exceeding the available generation because of extreme cold and weather conditions currently impacting the service territory. Current load forecasts are approaching an all-time peak, even greater than those experienced during the polar vortex of January 2019.

The company’s reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, has made this request to Entergy and other utilities in its footprint, including other utilities in our area. If the power supply cannot meet the demand, then periodic power outages would be needed to prevent an extensive power outage that could last an extended period.

Entergy crews have taken proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the extreme cold to our system, including placing additional power generation into service and adding additional personnel to our crews to closely monitor our facilities.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this request may cause,” said Kurt Castleberry, director of Resource Planning and Market Operations, “but the extreme temperatures for consecutive days are driving up electricity usage. This is an unusual situation driven by extreme weather conditions much of the country is experiencing. We are working to respond and bring the electric system back to a normal operational state as soon as possible.”

Castleberry added that the request does not apply to elderly customers or those with special health concerns.

Some immediate ways residential customers can reduce electricity usage include:

•Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees and adjust window units accordingly.

•Use energy-efficient ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate the warm air to help with your comfort.

•Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in warmth from the sun.

•Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing and other non-essential uses of electricity until this appeal for conservation has ended.

•Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting and refrain from opening the oven door while baking.

•Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home.