Power provider asks consumers to conserve energy during heat wave

The heatwave being experienced in northern Minnesota has prompted the operator of the electric transmission system in our region to issue a “maximum generation emergency event.”

Arrowhead Cooperative is asking its members to conserve electricity. The cooperative made an announcement, asking consumers to please cut back energy use until 10 p.m. today, June 10.

The cooperative offers the following energy-saving suggestions:

• Postponing use of appliances such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers until after 10 p.m.
• Turning off lights and appliances that are not essential to health and safety.
• Turning off computers and other electrical equipment when not in use.
• Keeping your shades pulled and doors and windows closed during the day.
• Using a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric oven or gas stove.
• Setting the thermostat on your central air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Supplementing air-conditioner use with ceiling fans and other fans, which create a wind-chill effect that increases air-conditioning cooling efficiency.
• Taking shorter showers.

Arrowhead Cooperative explains that this request was made after all other efforts to reduce electricity demand or to increase supply were implemented. The announcement from Arrowhead states, “We take our responsibility to supply energy to our members very seriously, and we made this request only after exhausting all other options.”