Sioux Falls, SD – Feb. 16, 2021 – Energy grid operators are ordering utilities to implement unplanned power outages to keep the grid stable in this emergency created by widespread frigid temperatures.
Customers may experience outages for up to an hour throughout the day without notice.
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Chris Nelson joined South Dakota power providers to urge conservancy. “Unfortunately electricity demand on the grid has outstripped supply in some areas causing unplanned outages,” said the PUC’s Nelson. “These outages are necessary to keep from compromising the entire grid. I continue to encourage South Dakotans to limit their use of electricity wherever possible so that we can restore normal operations as quickly as possible.”
The rolling blackouts are needed to prevent further, more widespread and uncontrolled outages. This is an emergency situation is quickly changing. Please do your part of conserve energy.
Media Contacts:
NorthWestern Energy, Jo Dee Black, 866-622-8081, jodee.black@northwestern.com
East River Electric Power Cooperative, Chris Studer, 605-256-8016, cstuder@eastriver.coop
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, Leah Mohr, 605-773-3201 or 605-280-4327, leah.mohr@state.sd.us