Peak energy alert issued for several parts of southeast Minnesota, north Iowa

(ABC 6 News) – Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative (Albert Lea), MiEnergy Cooperative (Rushford), Heartland Power Cooperative (St. Ansgar), and People’s Energy Cooperative (Oronoco) have issued a peak energy alert beginning at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

All cooperative members are urged to reduce electrical usage until after 6:00 p.m. Members enrolled in energy management strategies (load control) can expect to be affected between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Members can conserve electricity during this peak alert period by setting their air conditioner to 78 degrees, especially if no one is home; running the dishwasher or doing laundry later in the evening; using a microwave or grill instead of the oven to cook dinner; and refrain from turning on televisions or gaming systems. Each seemingly small action can collectively make a big difference in the demand made on the electric grid.