A rolling power outage is a planned, controlled outage that moves from one area to the next. Rolling outages are brief so power isn’t out for too long in one location. Rolling power outages will impact all electric customers, not only members of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative.
Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative only implements rolling power outages when our region’s electric grid manager, PJM, determines they are absolutely necessary. When regional electricity supply is low and can’t keep up with total consumer demand, rolling outages help balance the grid to prevent widespread, uncontrolled outages.
Typically, electricity is available at the flip of a switch. But you may not realize the electricity you use is forecasted, planned, and purchased before it makes its way to your home or business. The electric grid must be maintained at a certain frequency. When extreme temperatures drive up electricity demand, the grid may not be able to keep up. That’s why rotating, temporary outages can help rebalance the grid safely and prevent widespread, uncontrolled outages.
Cooperatives in Ohio have adequate generation to meet their needs. However, we are connected to the same electric grid as everyone else in other states and regions and are subject to the impact of issues on this larger grid.
If you receive an alert that rolling power outages are possible, you can help by reducing your energy use. The best area to conserve is your thermostat; adjust your thermostat as health allows. Avoid using appliances such as water heaters, dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Unplug any unused electrical items.
If you or someone you care for is dependent on life-supporting medical devices, make a plan in case rolling outages become necessary.
Rolling power outage notifications will be posted on our Facebook page and website. You can sign up to receive rolling power outage notifications through email, text, and phone calls on SmartHub.
The goal of the Peak Alert (Load Management) program is to control peak demand. Demand is the amount of electricity required by an electric utility’s customers all at one time. So peak demands occur on the days of the year when consumers use the most electricity.
Peak demands are most likely to occur on the hottest afternoons of the summer or when the temperature plummets in the winter.
Your cooperative’s costs for power are determined by the electricity used at times when everyone else is also using a large amount of electricity. When the amount of electricity used during a peak period goes up, so do the costs.
Load Management is a completely voluntary program that enables Guernsey-Muskingum Electric to control the use of electricity at certain times to help control costs.
Rolling Power Outages occur when regional electricity supply is low and can’t keep up with total consumer demand. These outages help balance the grid to prevent widespread, uncontrolled outages.
Bottom line: Peak Alerts are about controlling costs.
Rolling Power Outages are about supply issues and demand.