OKLAHOMA - The Southwest Power Pool had declared an Energy Emergency Alert level 3, which is the highest alert level. This means that its “operating reserves are below the required minimum,” officials said in a press release. It has now gone back to a level 2.
The Southwest Power Pool provides energy services to Oklahoma.
According to a press release, the Southwest Power Pool had “directed its member utilities to be prepared to implement controlled interruptions of service if necessary.”
“Controlled service interruptions are a last resort, and a step we take only when necessary to safeguard continued reliability of the regional grid,” said SPP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lanny Nickell.
This meant there could have been rolling blackouts for Oklahomans, according to PSO officials.
A tweet from Southwest Power Pool, said that the company was directing member utilities to implement controlled interruptions of service effective immediately.
PSO-Oklahoma, OG&E, and every other power company connected to the southwest power grid, are in the same situation.
A tweet from OG&E on Tuesday mornig stated, "As directed by Southwest Power Pool, we have initiated temporary service interruptions in parts of the following areas: Oklahoma City, Muskogee, Tishomingo, Norman, Edmond, Paul's Valley, Enid, Woodward, Glenpool, Yukon, Ardmore, Kingston, Guthrie and Fort Smith, AR."
OG&E has said the estimated duration is approximately 2 hours. Customers don't have to report their outage.
They continue to ask customers to limit electricity usage, to lower demand, so they can avoid being forced to shut off some circuits.
OG&E has asked customers to conserve energy in a social media post. They asked that thermostats be set at 68 or lower than usual if health permits.
OG&E also advised Oklahomans to avoid using major electric appliances; turn off lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.
