(Spirit Lake)– Area utilities are asking customers to cutback on power usage as much as possible as the extreme heat and humidity continues.
Rick Olson, Operations Manager for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, tells KUOO news the ongoing 90 degree-plus heat is expected to cause a peak demand this afternoon. Olson says Cornbelt Power, which supplies power to ILEC and several other utilities in the area, is expected to surpasse a peak of 330 megawatts sometime around mid-afternoon today. As a result, Olson says ILEC’s interruptible customers will be disconnected from their system this afternoon. Those customers receive a special break on their utility bills in exchange.
Alliant Energy and other utility companies in the area are reporting heavy demands as well.
Customers are urged to set their air conditioning thermostats a little higher; to close curtains and blinds; and to postpone the use of heavy appliances until after 9:00 this evening.
