Peak energy alert Thursday

(ABC 6 News) – Due to high demand on the regional electrical grid, cooperative members are urged to reduce electrical usage.

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services (Albert Lea), MiEnergy Cooperative (Rushford), People’s Energy Cooperative (Oronoco), and Heartland Power Cooperative (St. Ansgar) have issued a peak energy alert from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday.

Members enrolled in the Dual Fuel or Water Heater Energy Management Programs will be affected from approximately 4:50 to 11:00 p.m. this evening.

Members can conserve electricity during this peak alert period by setting their heat to at least 68o, lower if no one is home; wearing layers of clothing; running the dishwasher or doing laundry later in the evening; using a microwave instead of the oven to cook; 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.