KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Some energy companies have begun implementing rolling power outages in response to overwhelming demand for power during record-setting low temperatures and wind chills. The Southwest Power Pool, a group of utilities across 14 states, called for rolling outages because the supply of reserve energy had been exhausted. Some utilities said they were starting blackouts, while others urged customers to reduce power usage.

Southwest Power Pool service area

Officials with the Midland Power Cooperative issued a statement, Monday, saying “Due to unprecedented electric load, regional transmission operator Southwest Power Pool may ask power providers to shed electric load. If this happens, members may experience intermittent power outages lasting 45 minutes.

Electric co-op members are encouraged to conserve energy to help reduce the demand during this time. Please turn down your heat, refrain from or delay use of large appliances, and turn off any unused lights. Let’s all do our part to avoid power outages during the extreme weather.”