energy

Arctic air descended into the region on February 7 and didn't let up until the afternoon on February 20. The duration of this cold air outbreak was impressive for a large chunk of the country including our area. Paducah, KY set an all-time record with 9 consecutive days remaining below 30 degrees (previous record was 7 days in 1978). Carbondale, IL tied an all-time record with 13 consecutive days remaining below 32 degrees (also set in 1978). Numerous record lows and cold highs were established at Paducah, Carbondale, Cape Girardeau, and Poplar Bluff.

5 p.m. Peak Alert - All Clear! Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the winter storm! Due in part to member efforts to conserve electricity, your electric cooperative system was able to navigate through several record-setting days without the need for controlled service interruptions (or rolling blackouts).

5:30 p.m. Temperatures will drop tonight so we need to stay focused and pray we get through tomorrow morning without any Midwest grid issues. During the past few days, a reduction in energy usage by members and a strong electric cooperative system have enabled us to avoid implementing any forced outages amid sustained extreme temperatures. Prayers our friends and family members without power in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon and Texas.

4 p.m. We are still playing defense with the power grid, but we are close to being “out of the woods.” Other areas aren’t so blessed. Associated is doing a great job balancing its spinning plates. Here is a link to see power outages in the United States. There are still millions without power. One member of Team SEMO has a son in Houston without power. It is a mess in other states. https://poweroutage.us/

5:45 p.m. With warming temperatures, the Midwest’s electric grid is in better shape despite frozen wind turbines and limited natural gas supplies. Although this unprecedented winter weather event is not over, we continue to monitor the situation closely and members will be notified as soon as possible if rolling blackouts are necessary. We ask members to continue safely conserving as much electricity as possible as we work through this weather event.

10:30 a.m. The next 12 hours are critical for the energy grid to avoid more rolling blackouts.

Will we lose power?

Snow and more cold headed our way. Be safe. SEMO Electric members can implement several practices to reduce the amount of electricity used during extended artic temperatures.

4 p.m. Winter Storm Update #2: Slippery sidewalks and roads aren’t the only things to look out for this winter. Shoveling snow can be a health risk as well. Remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and only move small amounts with each shovel pass.

Take time to prepare for Winter Storm Roland. Fuel your vehicle, charge your phone and monitor the weather. Team SEMO has its plan to restore power should ice become an issue. Watch for updates here. Please stay away from downed power lines. Also, we haven't hit zero degrees since March 2015. Colder temperatures will drive up energy use. Consider lowering your thermostat setting to avoid bill shock in a few weeks.

We would like to prepare you as much as possible about the upcoming weather. Temperatures will be dropping in the single digits soon. As the gap increases between the outside and inside temperatures you will see your usage rise. Keep an eye on your usage to try to keep it down as much as possible.