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Extreme heat may affect electrical grid

By
Lori Sorenson

This week’s extreme heat is part of a hotter than normal summer that forecasters have been warning of.
Monday’s temperatures soared into the 90s with heat indexes nearing 100 degrees, and the heat wave is expected to continue through the rest of the month.
With that in mind, local leaders are asking utility customers to conserve energy to help level peak use.
“Electric utilities and regulators are warning that the coming months could bring the potential of possible interruptions to the power grid,” said Luverne City Administrator John Call.
He said power companies big and small across Minnesota are prepared for potential challenges this summer.
That could mean possible interruptions after the North American Electric Reliability Corp. and the region’s power grid operator warned generation capacity could fall short on demand on the hottest days of the summer.
“I’d rather be prepared and not need it, than not be prepared and need it, so that’s why we are trying to notify our customers in advance,” Call said. 
“We are not trying to waive any type of alarm or anything like that, but we do want our customers to know.” 
During the hottest days this summer Call said the Luverne Municipal Electric Utility will send out energy alerts to notify the public to conserve energy.
These measures include turning up the thermostat, keeping the drapes closed to keep the heat out of the house and delaying the use of large appliances like ovens, washing machines and dishwashers until later in the evening.   
The city of Luverne already uses a demand-side energy program that cycles hot water heaters and air conditioners, etc.  
“The city appreciates any and all electric usage efficiency that our customers can employ to try and keep the total load of the city to a lower level,” Call said.
He said Luverne has adequate energy supplies, but the city is part of the larger electric grid, and shortages on the grid could have an effect on Luverne. 
“Electricity is just like water,” Call said. “It is a valuable resource, and it does have limitations on the total amount available during a peak usage on a very hot day.”
While temperatures may hover in the upper 80s to low 90s, high humidity will make it feel closer to 100.
People who work outdoors are encouraged to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
People with pets are encouraged to be mindful of making sure there is adequate water and shade if animals are outdoors.

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