According to a November 2023 report from The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Ohio and much of the eastern United States are at an elevated risk for energy emergencies and rolling blackouts during extreme temperatures this winter. As your cooperative, we are committed to providing you with safe, reliable, and affordable energy. While we are doing everything we can to ensure that your lights stay on, there are some factors outside of our control.

As temperatures go down, energy use goes up, increasing the strain on the electric grid in our region. While Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives have more than enough energy to meet the growing needs of our members, we rely on the larger electric grid to deliver that energy to you. Check out our Energy Policy Resources to learn more about reliability and affordability concerns, and what we’re doing to advocate for you.

If Ohio co-ops have enough energy, why are we still at-risk for blackouts?

While we own and operate our local distribution lines, substations, and other equipment, the electric grid as a whole is managed on a regional level. Grid operators like PJM – the organization that coordinates the movement of electricity in Ohio and surrounding states – work to keep the grid safe, balanced, and reliable.

When demand for electric energy is too high – because demand is greater than the grid’s transmission abilities or because there is not enough energy available – grid operators can require utility providers like us to systematically cut power to prevent widespread, uncontrolled outages or full grid blackouts.

Rolling blackouts are a last resort that will only occur if absolutely necessary. However, we cannot control if or when they occur, and they may come with little or no warning. While electric co-ops across the nation are pushing for energy policy reform that helps make the grid more reliable, we have to be prepared for blackouts until that reform comes.

Energy Conservation

To help keep the power on for everyone, we may call on you to help us reduce demand and by conserving energy during extreme temperatures. During the winter, demand is typically highest in the early mornings when temperatures are low and families are up and getting ready for work or school. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make a big impact:

  • Lower your thermostat by a few degrees while you are home.
  • Unplug unused electronics and appliances.
  • Avoid using major appliances like washers and dryers during times when demand is highest.

Even if blackouts were not a risk, it would still be important to conserve energy during extreme temperatures to help keep energy costs affordable. Learn more about how you can save money and increase your energy efficiency here.

Outage/Blackout Preparation

As stated earlier in this article, blackouts may occur with little to no warning. Please take steps now to ensure that you and your family are prepared if a winter outage occurs – whether it is caused by storm damage or a rolling blackout order.

Review the list below for important safety information and more preparedness tips:

  • Follow our Facebook page for timely updates on outages and major weather events.
  • Make sure you are familiar with the Outage Information page on our website.
  • Make a plan with your doctor or pharmacist to make a plan for medical equipment or medications that require electricity.
  • Maintain an emergency kit with necessary items like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, etc.