Baldwin EMC is asking members to voluntarily limit electric use during the morning hours tomorrow, Thursday, Jan 8. The hours between 5 and 8 a.m. are the most critical, according to cooperative representatives.

“The extreme dip in temperatures will cause electric use to skyrocket,” said Karen Moore, vice-president of energy services and public relations for Baldwin EMC. “That puts a big strain on the supply of electricity we have available. If we don’t reduce the demand, electricity shortages are possible, and that can lead to outages.”

Voluntary reductions in energy use can be an important factor in keeping the lights on. Here are Baldwin EMC’s recommendations for reducing energy use:

• Lower the thermostat on electric heating systems to 68 degrees or lower
• Limit the use of non-essential appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers and dishwashers
• Unplug all unnecessary electronic devices, chargers and appliances, except for refrigerators and freezers that keep food cold

If power does go out, members are asked to turn off heating equipment and leave it off until the power has been restored for at least 15 minutes, then turn appliances on a few at a time. This will help to keep Baldwin EMC’s equipment from being overloaded, which can cause continued outages.

“Our control center staff is monitoring our service area around the clock, and line crews are on standby in case outages do happen,” Moore says.

If your power goes out, report it to Baldwin EMC by calling (251) 989-6247 or (800) 837-3374.