MOORHEAD (KFGO) – As summer approaches, regional operators of the electric grid are projecting an elevated risk of electricity shortages.
These projections are due to warmer than normal forecasted temperatures, greater amounts of intermittent renewable generation, such as wind and solar, in the current power supply mix that may not be available when needed, and retirements of fossil-fueled power plants.
Under normal conditions, regional grid operators ramp generators up or down to match the demand for electricity. If the demand for electricity outpaces the supply, grid operators issue energy alerts or even energy emergency alerts to balance the electric system to avoid catastrophic failure of the grid.
If Energy Alert or Energy Emergency conditions occur this summer, regional utilities will run all types of available generation to prevent electrical outages. Moorhead Public Service is prepared to run local generators and may call upon local businesses that have generators to do the same. Other steps include using the load management system, which cycles air conditioners and water heaters off and on for brief periods.
If these and other measures are not successful, the regional grid operator will issue an energy emergency and require that utilities initiate a series of controlled temporary outages, or rolling blackouts, to maintain the stability of the electric grid.
“Although we can’t control energy emergencies, MPS and our power supplier, Missouri River Energy Services, are prepared to do everything possible to keep the lights on and keep homes and businesses running,” said General Manager Travis Schmidt.”
