Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional reliability coordinated for Cooperative Energy and Dixie Electric, is experiencing an immediate and critical shortage of electricity and has directed electric utilities across the Southeast to reduce load.

Accordingly, Dixie Electric and its wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy is initiating its power supply emergency plan as required by MISO, which means that some members will experience a temporary loss of electric service for 15 to 30-minute intervals. This procedure will repeat across the service area on a rotating schedule until conditions improve or additional generation is available.

This is due to a loss in generation units in the southern U.S. In addition, the extremely low temperatures are placing a strain on the electrical system and limiting the availability of generation resources.

At this time, you are urged to make plans for individuals dependent upon life supporting medical devices as electric service interruption is imminent.

Dixie Electric understands how members will be inconvenienced but has no choice at this time. Unfortunately, this is a regional issue and Dixie Electric must respond as directed.

You can help curtail this issue by reducing your consumption of electricity. Turn your thermostat down; turn off unnecessary electronics and appliances if possible.