ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW.com) – Power providers across Western North Carolina are asking customers to cut back on electricity use during peak demand hours Monday morning as extremely cold temperatures strain the power grid.
Duke Energy and French Broad Electric Membership Cooperation both issued conservation requests for Monday, urging customers to reduce usage between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., when electricity demand is expected to be highest.
Temperatures across the region are forecast to run 10 to 20 degrees below normal, driving unusually high energy use.
“We take every possible action to manage the available power supply and work throughout the year to prepare for this type of constraint,” Duke Energy said in a statement. “Energy conservation can play a critical role in protecting the energy grid and avoiding temporary power outages.”
Both utilities outlined similar steps customers can take to help reduce demand.
Residents are encouraged to
- Set thermostats at the lowest comfortable temperature and wear additional layers of clothing.
- Avoid electric space heaters when possible, as they use large amounts of electricity.
- Postpone using high-energy appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens and stovetops during the morning peak hours.
- Open blinds and curtains during daylight hours. This can help warm homes naturally
- Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances and electronics to further reduce usage.
- Electric vehicle owners are encouraged to avoid charging vehicles in the morning and charge during midday hours, when demand on the grid is typically lower.
French Broad Electric acknowledged that conserving energy during extreme cold can be difficult and thanked members for their cooperation, echoing Duke Energy’s message that small reductions by many customers can make a meaningful difference.
Utilities said conditions will continue to be monitored and urged customers to stay alert for additional updates if demand remains high.