Earlier Saturday night, customers were advised to conserve electricity as a major winter storm has power grids working overtime.
CLARK COUNTY, Indiana — 9:10 p.m. update: Hoosier Energy said customers can “step down” from emergency conservation.
Residents across southern Indiana are urged to conserve electricity as a major winter storm brings heavy snow and bitter cold to the region.
The Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC posted information on Facebook Saturday night from Hoosier Energy:
“High demand for electricity and tight power supplies throughout the Midwest are causing a serious power supply emergency for central/southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois, including REMC/REC customers. The public is urged to cut back on electricity usage immediately until further notice.”
Hoosier Energy said the public’s cooperation will help ease dangerous strain on the region’s power supply. Residents are urged to:
• Turn off all unnecessary lights
• Postpone using major appliances such as dishwashers and clothes dryers
• Turn your thermostat to 68 or lower for heating
• Turn down your electric water heater setting
The announcement was made on behalf of electric cooperatives (REMCs/RECs) in central and southern Indiana, and southeastern Illinois, including:
• Bartholomew County REMC
• Daviess-Martin County REMC
• JCREMC • Orange County REMC
• RushShelby Energy REC
• South Central Indiana REMC
• Southeastern Indiana REMC
• Southern Indiana Power
• Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC
• Whitewater Valley REMC
• Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative
Southern Indiana is forecasted to see between 10 and 17 inches of snow, according to WHAS11 extreme weather specialist John Gordon. Sleet and freezing rain is expected to remain south of the state.
Temperatures well-below freezing are expected to persist for several days.
