We are learning more about the possible rolling blackouts if you have power through City Water, Light and Power (CWLP).
During last week’s city council meeting, CWLP officials said they have been preparing for the issue, but didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
As we approach the summer months, the air conditioner will be kicking on and more energy will be used. That's what has the city of Springfield planning for possible rolling blackouts to conserve energy. CWLP would turn off power to parts of the city for a brief period.
”MISO [Midcontinent Independent System Operator] warning about possible rolling blackouts this summer my cell is their regional grid operator and they can order all utilities to reduce load the only way to do that is to shed load which then is used rolling blackouts," said CWLP Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown.
These power outages would last 15 minutes and happen in the late afternoon to early evening. City officials say you will not be notified until the day of when it happens, but Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder says there are ways to prepare.
” You know so we are not caught off guard we can prepare for it an individual can participate of course by conserving energy as much as possible, turn off lights when you do not need them, especially during the peak time hours,” said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder.
As of Tuesday, Mayor Langfelder and CWLP are currently in negotiations with MISO to see if the city of Springfield can avoid these blackouts.