11am Update: PSO and OG&E said no further outages are needed and power is being restored.
Original Story:
The extreme cold is taking a toll on the power grid in Oklahoma.
Power companies have begun service interruptions, or rolling blackouts, to conserve energy.
PSO and OG&E have asked customers to do their part to reduce energy usage, but due to high demand customers may experience temporary outages.
“These planned outages will reduce the risk of lengthy, widespread outages.” PSO said.
PSO told KRMG outages shouldn’t last more than two hours.
OG&E said the outages are mandated by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the organization responsible for managing the regional electricity grid.
Planned outages do not need to be reported, but if you are in an area unaffected by rolling blackouts, you should make a report, PSO said.
Read the latest from PSO:
TULSA, Okla. (February 16, 2021) – Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) implemented an emergency load reduction plan at the request of the organization responsible for managing the regional electricity grid, the SPP. As a result, PSO began a required series of service interruptions, lasting approximately two hours, for some customers. These planned outages will reduce the risk of lengthy, widespread outages and will continue until the SPP authorizes a return to normal operations. PSO will attempt to notify all customers affected by the controlled outage although the immediacy of the SPP request may prevent advance notice.
PSO is joining other utilities across the region in asking customers to conserve energy to help reduce the length of time these emergency measures are in place. The company stresses that customers should use energy needed for personal safety and to protect against property damage but minor adjustments to thermostats and other measures can make a significant difference to the system. Cold weather safety tips can be found on the PSO website here with energy savings tips here.
The company also requests that all unexpected outages be reported through the website or through the mobile app. If there are such outages to report, please be prepared for longer than usual wait times. PSO appreciates our customers and their willingness and patience during this emergency.