An electricity shortage is predicted this summer, across our region, by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). If everyone does their part to conserve electricity, we may avoid rolling blackouts.
If notified by MISO that the potential to conserve electricity in the next 24 hours exists, Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU) will post an alert with the paper, on the radio, Facebook, and our website, notifying both businesses and residents of the announcement.
If an electricity shortage occurs, an energy alert or energy emergency will be issued to stabilize the electric grid through the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Emergency Alert System (similar to an Amber Alert).
During an ENERGY ALERT, we will ask all our residential and commercial customers to reduce energy use, as much as possible, to help avoid outages. You can help by turning up your thermostat a few degrees, closing your drapes or blinds to keep the sun out, shutting off all unnecessary lights and equipment, and delaying using large appliances like ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, and electric vehicle chargers until later in the evening.
If these and other conservation efforts are not successful, an ENERGY EMERGENCY will be issued and WMU will initiate a series of controlled temporary outages, or rolling blackouts, to maintain the stability of the electric grid, which may last 1 to 2 hours at a time until the energy shortage is alleviated.
WMU would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU in advance for doing your part.
