Downgrade of SPP Emergency Alert to Level 1

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) issued the following information downgrading the Energy Emergency Alert from Level 2 to Level 1:

Effective at 1:15 pm Central time, SPP has declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1 for its entire 14-state balancing authority area. Generation is currently sufficient to serve system-wide demand across the region and to fully satisfy operating reserve requirements. We continue to urge all homes and businesses throughout our 14-state region to conserve electricity, but are not directing any interruptions of service at this time. The public should follow their service providers’ directions regarding local outages, tips for conservation and safety.

Previously, SPP had been in an EEA Level 2 since 6:28 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Based on the current MRES wind and weather forecasts, it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, we are still at risk with each peak period. All MRES operated resources and member-owned generators are still running and will continue to run into tomorrow and likely through Friday.

MRES sends a HUGE thank you to our members in SPP that have been operating their generators day and night throughout this extreme weather. Those are Denison, Lake Park and Rock Rapids, Iowa; Luverne and Moorhead, Minnesota; and Fort Pierre, South Dakota. We also thank the MRES power plant operators for their dedication and hard work. Thank you all for helping to keep the lights on!