City of Independence Utilities joins regional request for energy conservation efforts
February 15, 2021

The City of Independence Utilities joins regional peers in the Southwest Power Pool requesting its customers take steps to decrease energy usage as the region faces a potential energy shortage caused by high usage due to the extreme cold over the last week.

Independence customers are asked to take these measures through Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to warm up throughout the region and energy demands decrease.

Please see the following steps customers can take to help reduce their electrical usage:

• Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees). Avoid the use of electric space heaters.
• Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Change or clean filters on furnaces.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in your home.
• When possible, use large appliances (clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers) between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Reduce air leaks that let cold air in by sealing around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk and inserting foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets.
• Businesses should reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
• Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential processes.

Customers should know there is the potential for rolling blackouts throughout the Southwest Power Pool if demands continue at the current level and weather continues to negatively impact wind generation. Customers will be updated throughout this situation as quickly as possible.