Interruptions in electrical power service, also referred to as “rolling blackouts” were initiated this week by OG&E and other providers as the region’s power grid reached maximum capacity.

On Monday, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) began declaring emergency energy alerts that fluctuated between “level two” and “level three” alerts. OG&E and Canadian Valley Electric Coop are members of the SPP.

At level two, conservation appeals are made and a level three alert signals that operating reserves are below the required minimum and SPP service members should 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,” SPP’s executive vice president and chief operating officer Lanny Nickell said in a press release.

“If necessary, SPP will instruct our members’ transmission system operators to reduce electricity demand by an amount needed to prevent further and uncontrolled power interruptions. Should that occur, individual utilities will determine how best to curtail their use by the required amount based on their own emergency operating plans,” SPP officials said.

“While SPP and our member companies work to restore the regional power grid to full capacity, consumers are urged to reduce electricity use, both at home and work,” SPP added.

Several rolling blackouts were reported across the state on Monday and Tuesday, some of them lasting up to two hours.

OG&E officials said even if service interruptions are paused, they could resume at any time without notice. All consumers are being asked to conserve electricity to avoid additional strains on the power grid.

Some electricity conservation options are:

Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees.

Avoid using major household electric appliances such as ovens, dishwashers and washer/dryers, etc.

Turn off non-essential electric appliances, lights and equipment.

Businesses should minimize 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 production processes.

Following these guidelines to reduce the use of electricity will help avoid possible electric power shortages later. Given the prolonged, below-freezing temperatures, conservation measures should be implemented safely and within reason.

About SPP

Southwest Power Pool, Inc. is a regional transmission organization: a not-for-profit corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive wholesale electricity prices on behalf of its members. SPP manages the electric grid across 17 central and western U.S. states and provides energy services on a contract basis to customers in both the Eastern and Western Interconnections. The company’s headquarters are in Little Rock, Arkansas.