Pinedale and Big Piney area customers urged to reduce electricity use at peak times this weekend
by Rocky Mountain Power media release
December 4, 2009
PINEDALE, Wyo. — Rocky Mountain Power urges its customers in Pinedale, Big Piney and surrounding areas to voluntarily reduce their electricity use this weekend during the hours of 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Energy conservation at these times is requested in order to help maintain the stability of the electrical system in the area and avoid unexpected power outages while work is being completed on the new Chimney Butte substation near Big Piney.
"We are in the final stages of completing work required to bring the new Chimney Butte substation online, and expect it to be in service by early next week," said customer and community manager Craig Nelson. "The cold weather is contributing to higher electricity usage during the morning and evening hours, and this is causing strain on our system between Pinedale and Big Piney. Our customers can help ensure safe and reliable service through the weekend by limiting the use of appliances and non-essential electrical equipment during peak usage hours."
Customers can shift a significant portion of their electricity use to off-peak hours by using dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, computers, televisions and other household items that require electricity at other times of the day. Using a microwave or small kitchen appliances to prepare meals instead of an oven or range, or preparing dinner earlier in the afternoon, is also recommended. Customers who use electricity to heat their home are encouraged to turn their thermostat down to between 68 and 70 degrees, and wear extra clothing to stay warm, if this can be done comfortably.
While voluntary efforts by customers to reduce electricity use is expected to help avoid power outages this weekend, customers should always be prepared for unexpected winter outages that can occur despite the utility’s best preparations. Information on preparing for power outages and other emergencies, and tips for staying safe during an outage, are available online at www.rockymountainpower.net/safety. (Note to editors: See the attached Outage Preparation, Safety news release for details.)
Customers are being notified today by automated phone messages. Customers and local news media will be notified again if the need to reduce electricity use continues into next week. Customers with questions are encouraged to call Rocky Mountain Power toll free, any time, at 1-888-221-7070.
About Rocky Mountain Power
Rocky Mountain Power is headquartered in Salt Lake City and provides electric service to more than 982,000 customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. As part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power provide approximately 1.7 million customers in six Western states with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Visit www.rockymountainpower.net.
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