Rolling blackouts to affect Stephens County

From the City of Duncan, but applicable to all electric providers in the area:

“Due to extreme cold weather the region wide electricity use has exceeded the available generation across Southwest Power Pool service area. SPP has declared a Level 3 Energy Emergency Alert, signaling that its operating reserves are below the required minimum level. SPP has directed its member utilities to be prepared to implement controlled interruptions of service. Controlled service interruptions are a last resort and is only implemented to safeguard the regional electric grid.

Rolling outages will take place periodically throughout Duncan and Stephens County. Not only will neighborhoods be without power, but also traffic lights and other infrastructure too. These outages will last approximately 1 hour beginning today at 2:00pm. We will notify the public of the area being affected prior to the outage.

The Stephens County Fairgrounds will open as a warming station throughout these outages. We urge the citizens to shelter in place if possible. However if you are unable to shelter in place and would like to utilize the warming station please bring your own water and snacks along with blankets. While we do have back up generators at the Fairgrounds you may still want blankets for additional warmth. If you are on oxygen please bring it with you along with an extra bottle or your concentrator. Also bring your medication with you in case you have an extended stay. No pets are allowed in the warming station at this time.

Sheltering in place during a power outage.

- Only use flashlights or battery operated lanterns for emergency lighting.

- Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.

- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep temperature for about 48 hours.
- Put on layers of warm clothes.

- Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.

- Turn off or disconnect appliances or other equipment in case of momentary power surges that can damage computers and other devices.
- Only use generators away from your home and never run a generator inside your home or connect it to your home electrical system.

We will keep you updated on the situation.

(Message from City of Duncan FB page)