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US regulators authorizes Southwest Power Pool, which includes Nebraska, to direct resources to protect electric grid
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —
The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order to the Southwest Power Pool amid hot temperatures.
Parts of western Nebraska are included in SPP’s Western Energy Service.
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The DOE’s order authorizes SPP to “direct backup generation resources (whether auxiliary, standby, directly-connected, battery storage or other)” as needed to maintain electric grid reliability.
Friday, SPP issued an Energy Emergency Alert 2, the second of three emergency energy levels. It cited widespread high temperatures, a potential increase in outages and possibly low output from wind and solar energy.
SPP later ended the alert, but left a Conservative Operations Advisory in effect until Saturday, Aug. 1, at 12 a.m. CT. The transmission organization says this does not require the public to conserve energy. Instead, it raises awareness “of potential threats to reliability among entities responsible for operating transmission and generation facilities.”
A majority of Nebraska is part of the eastern section of SPP, which is under a resource advisory.
Nebraska’s largest utility providers, including the Omaha Public Power District, joined SPP in 2009.
OPPD said electric service in the area remains reliable.
“This order was issued because extremely hot weather across the SPP region has driven record electricity demand at the same time resources are producing less generation than usual. SPP requested this order to make sure they have every tool available to keep the grid reliable through August 3rd. This does not mean OPPD is experiencing an emergency. Your electric service remains reliable, and we do not expect service interruptions related to this order. This order allows SPP to call on utilities, including OPPD, to use additional generation if needed to help stabilize the regional grid during periods of extreme demand. It also allows some large businesses with backup generators to temporarily use them to help reduce pressure on the grid,” OPPD said in a statement.” OPPD is closely monitoring system conditions and coordinating with SPP in real time. If asked, we will adjust our generation output to support grid reliability. These are standard steps during high-demand periods to help protect customers across the region. While emergency orders may sound alarming, they are a preventative measure and not uncommon. Many such orders have been issued nationwide this year to ensure reliable power during extreme weather. OPPD will continue to keep customers informed if conditions change. Thank you for your continued trust as we work to maintain safe, reliable service for our community.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story said that Nebraska was including in the western section of SPP.
