Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to the extreme cold and stress that has been placed on power companies. One of the largest utility companies in the Midwest, Evergy, is now asking customers to conserve as much electricity as possible, at least through Wednesday. J. Schafer has more.
Kansas Governor Declares Emergency, Evergy Asks Customers to Conserve Energy as Record-Setting Cold Threatens Midwest Power Supply
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KPR) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to wind chill warnings and the stress that is being put on utility and natural gas providers. Record-setting cold temperatures are putting a strain on power companies across the Midwest. So much so that power outages could occur. Evergy, which serves more than 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, is asking residents and businesses to conserve electricity use as much as possible through Wednesday (February 17). The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which coordinates the regional power supply across 17 states, requested that Evergy ask customers to reduce electrical usage in order to maintain the power supply overall and avoid potential power outages. The region’s coldest weather in decades is creating high demand for electricity. At the same time, the extreme weather is driving high demand for natural gas used to heat homes and businesses, straining the gas supply available to generate electricity. Meanwhile, icy conditions have made availability of wind power uncertain. Evergy says its employees are working around the clock to manage power plants and power lines. But even with reliable operations, the extreme cold is driving high demand for electricity and straining natural gas supplies.
How Customers Can Help and Lower Their Electric Bills:
- Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees).
- Avoid the use of electric space heaters.
- Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Change or clean filters on furnaces.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in your home.
- When possible, use large appliances (clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers) between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Reduce air leaks that let cold air in by sealing around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk and inserting foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets.
- Businesses should reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential processes.
(-Related-)
Ford Stops F-150, Transit Van Production at Kansas City Assembly Plant Due to Natural Gas Shortage
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KPR) - Ford Motor Company confirmed today (MON) that it is shutting down production of its highly profitable 2021 F-150 pickup trucks and Transit Vans for a full week in Missouri. "Due to unseasonably cold temperatures in the midsection of the United States, Ford was warned that the availability of natural gas could be restricted in the Kansas City area in the coming days," said Kelli Felker, global manufacturing and labor communications manager. "To ensure we minimize our use of natural gas that is critical to heat people’s homes, we have decided to cancel operations," she said. The Detroit Free Press reports the closure at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, began Saturday. Ford expects to return to normal operations next Monday. The plant employs approximately 7,300 UAW hourly workers. During the down time,employees will receive approximately 75% of their gross pay. Ford is the largest employer of hourly automotive workers in the U.S. This winter weather storm is the latest disruption for Ford, which has had to cut shifts building the F-150 to accommodate a global semiconductor chip shortage.
Elsewhere...
Water Line Break Affecting Entire Southeast Kansas Community
PARSONS, Kan. (KPR) — A water line break is causing problems in Parsons. KNSF TV in Joplin reportsthe break is near the old water treatment plant and the problem is affecting the entire city. Officials say crews will have a difficult time digging into the frozen ground and getting equipment to work properly in the current freezing temperatures. Residents have been asked to drip their water from faucets and conserve water as much as possible. It remains unclear when the problem might be fixed.
- 30 -
