Columbia urges residents to use less power after ‘Energy Emergency Alert’ issued

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An “Energy Emergency Alert Level 2” was issued for the City of Columbia from 4- 8 p.m. Wednesday by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, a press release from the city says.

“This means the central and north regions of MISO (including the Columbia area) are currently experiencing large system loads and reserves are tight,” the release says.

All generation sources for the city are “up and running” and the electric grid for the city is “stable,” the release says. “Neighbors and other states within MISO” in the grid are under strain, the release says.

The city is asking residents to reduce electric usage by:

• Setting the thermostat as high as possible “while maintaining reasonable levels”
• Leave shads down over south and west-facing windows
• Turnoff unneeded lights and unplug appliances not in use.
• Use the oven, dishwasher or other appliance that produce heat after 8 p.m.

MISO’s coverage area includes Minnesota, Iowa, portions of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Alerts go up to “Energy Emergency Alert 3,” according to MISO’s website.