Power Supply Emergency Declared in Central and Southern Indiana

Hoosier Energy has declared a serious power supply emergency affecting central and southern Indiana, as well as southeastern Illinois, due to high electricity demand and tight power supplies exacerbated by a major winter storm. The public is urged to immediately reduce electricity usage to prevent potential service interruptions.

Public urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern IndianaHoosier Energy says Indiana residents can 'step down' from emergency power conservationCenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

In response to the emergency, Hoosier Energy has provided specific guidelines for residents to conserve energy. These include:

Public urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern Indiana

• Turning off unnecessary lights.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

• Postponing the use of major appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

• Setting thermostats to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for heating.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

• Lowering the electric water heater setting.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

These measures are intended to alleviate the strain on the region's power supply, as officials warn that without immediate action, temporary emergency service interruptions could occur.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

The power supply emergency coincides with a significant winter storm forecasted to bring between 10 and 17 inches of snow to southern Indiana. This extreme weather has placed additional pressure on the electric grid, leading to increased electricity demand as residents seek to heat their homes.

Public urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern Indiana

In addition to Hoosier Energy's warnings, CenterPoint Energy, which operates within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint, has also issued a conservation alert. CenterPoint's Vice President, Shane Bradford, stated that while the company has sufficient energy supply for its service territory, it is following MISO's guidance due to potential shortfalls in electric generation across the multi-state region. Customers are encouraged to:

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energyPublic urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern IndianaHoosier Energy says Indiana residents can 'step down' from emergency power conservation

• Set thermostats lower.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

• Avoid using large appliances.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

• Turn off non-essential lights and equipment.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

Officials from CenterPoint Energy have indicated that if conditions worsen, MISO may direct utilities to implement controlled outages. These outages would be temporary and rotational, designed to prevent longer-lasting power failures. Customers are advised to prepare for such measures, particularly those who rely on electricity for critical health equipment.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energyPublic urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern IndianaHoosier Energy says Indiana residents can 'step down' from emergency power conservation

Hoosier Energy emphasized the importance of public cooperation in easing the strain on the power supply, stating, "The public’s cooperation will help ease the dangerous strain on the region's power supply." Similarly, CenterPoint Energy officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining service reliability while urging customers to conserve energy.

Public urged to cut back on electrical usage across central Indiana, southern Indiana

While the emergency measures are aimed at preventing outages, some residents have expressed concerns about the potential for prolonged service interruptions and the adequacy of the utilities' preparedness for such extreme weather events.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy

As the winter storm progresses, utilities will continue to monitor power supply conditions and may issue further updates regarding conservation efforts and potential outages. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to conservation guidelines to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing power supply emergency.

CenterPoint customers asked to conserve energy