LG&E is asking customers to conserve energy when performing rolling blackouts | News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — LG&E and KU are asking customers to help them conserve energy as the extreme cold puts pressure on the regional power grid.

The utility said pressure is creating scattered power outages, but technicians are “working diligently” to minimize extended impact.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, LG&E will perform “short service interruptions” across the region on Friday night. The aim is for the interruptions to last around 30 minutes.

Customers are asked to take a number of measures to help with conservation efforts.

• Adjust thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting, and turn it down several degrees when you̵[ads1]7;re not home.
• Reduces dependence on other heat sources.
• Wearing extra layers.
• Uses extra blankets.
• Close dampers and doors on fireplaces when they are not in use, unless it is a gas fireplace.
• Use draft stoppers for windows and doors.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, including holiday lights and appliances.
• Only run dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines when they are full.
• Open curtains, drapes or blinds during the day to let the sun in and close them at night to keep in the heat.
• Make sure that furniture and/or curtains do not block the air registers.
• Prepare cold meals using a microwave or a slow cooker, as they use less electricity than ovens.

For more tips, click here.

LG&E said both extreme cold and strong winds pose challenges for power lines. Particularly high winds can cause tree limbs covered in snow and ice to snap and fall into power lines. Gusts of wind can also blow power lines into each other.

There are more than 350 technicians out in the field, and a public safety response team is working to stay on top of any outages.

LG&E expects the number of outages to continue to fluctuate. Customers should report any power outages they experience. That can be done by calling 502-589-1444 or 800-331-7370, texting OUTAGE to 454358 or through the LG&E phone app. For more information on reporting power outages, click here.

To view LG&E’s power outage map, click here. You can also text STATUS to 454358 for power outage updates.

As of 9 p.m. Friday, an estimated 18,169 LG&E customers were without power in Kentucky.

In southern Indiana, Clark County REMC is also asking customers to conserve power, but did not mention any rolling outages.

Copyright 2022 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.