Forced generation outages combined with extremely low temperatures have caused a sharp increase in demand for electric power which can result in an overload of the electrical grid.

Utilities in the MISO South Region of Louisiana have been notified by the regional electric grid regulators that due to this increase in demand and loss of electric generation, all of Louisiana is experiencing a power shortage. The City of Houma has been instructed to notify and ask customers to conserve electric power on Wednesday, February 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Some actions customers can take to conserve energy include:

• Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees or lower if possible.
• Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home.
• Delay laundry, washing dishes, and other non-essential uses of electricity until this appeal for conservation has ended.
• Wash clothes with cold water.
• Cook foods at the lowest possible setting.

Additional Information

• Press Release