AEP Ohio is asking customers to reduce electricity use as the region endures extremely cold temperatures which has created extraordinary demands on the power system.
PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for 65 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, has requested the public in its region to conserve electricity.
AEP Ohio, in coordination with PJM, is asking businesses and the public to help by immediately reducing electricity use as much as possible without sacrificing safety. They are asking that customers take these actions until 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, to help ensure adequate power supplies.
Ways to reduce electricity use include:
• Setting your thermostat lower than usual, if health allows.
• Postponing use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers.
• Turning off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances.
Minor adjustments to thermostats and other measures can make a significant difference. Customers should use the electricity needed for personal safety and to protect against property damage.
POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS
PJM continues to carefully monitor the power supply conditions. It will do everything possible to keep power flowing in the region. PJM is coordinating efforts among generators, power suppliers and local utilities.
If further emergency action is required to reduce the load on the electric system, PJM would direct AEP Ohio to begin grid protection power outages to parts of its service territory. These outages will be brief and intermittent whenever possible to limit the impact on customers.
The action will only be taken if necessary to avoid widespread power loss and to prevent long-term damage to the regional electric system.
Customers should be prepared for the possibility of temporary electric service outages if further emergency action is required. Please check with elderly or disabled family, friends and neighbors to ensure they are okay and have a plan for possible outages.