Shreveport-area residents should not read a new federal power order as a sign that rolling blackouts are about to begin. SWEPCO External Affairs Manager Michael Corbin told KEEL News on Wednesday that the regional grid remains stable, even as summer heat pushes power demand to unusually high levels.
Federal Order Adds Backup Options
The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order July 26 allowing Southwest Power Pool to use idle and backup generation resources across its 17-state territory. Louisiana is among the states served by the regional grid operator.
Asked whether SWEPCO customers should expect load shedding, Corbin gave a direct answer: “In a very short statement, no, we’re not.”
Southwest Power Pool raised grid awareness Sunday night because of heavy electricity use, then lowered it about three hours later. Corbin said worsening conditions could lead utilities to ask large industrial customers to reduce usage or rely on backup generation…