AEP Ohio says no blackouts expected despite heat wave; here's how to help prevent them
As central Ohio sweats its way through June, only one thing could make this oppressive heat worse: a power outage.
Thankfully, AEP Ohio isn't expecting one.
Director of operations Matt Bennett said there's been no indication from PJM Interconnection, the organization that manages the electricity grid for Ohio and 12 other states, that an electrical outage is anticipated in the coming weeks.
That's not to say that an "emergency load reduction," commonly known as a blackout, isn't possible. Bennett said the process would involve temporarily cutting power to one group of circuits for some minutes, then restoring it and moving onto the next group.
"That's why they call it a rolling blackout, because you're rotating the outages to ultimately reduce the demand on the system," Bennett said. "There's never a convenient time for a power outage, so you're trying to make it as least inconvenient and least impactful for the customer as possible."
Temperatures are projected to be in the high 90s the next few days, with heat index values reaching as high as 104 degrees. On June 25, temperatures are expected to slightly drop, remaining in the low 90s through June 29 at least.
Now until 8 p.m. on June 24, Columbus and much of Ohio are under a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service due to consecutive days — and even nights — of high heat and humidity.
In the past few days, PJM has issued multiple alerts regarding the heat wave, which Bennett said serve as preventative measures to ensure the electrical grid is in the best possible condition amid extreme temperatures.
There is a possibility that PJM directs a formal energy conservation request to industrial and residential energy users in a further attempt to be proactive, but a blackout itself is "an absolute last resort," Bennett said.
To help fend off this outcome, Bennett said people should minimize their electricity usage between 3-6 p.m., when demand is highest.
During this period, you should avoid charging your electric vehicle and using large appliances like ovens, dishwashers and dryers. Bennett also advised turning your thermostat up a few degrees — ideally to 78, as recommended by AEP. Even if it's turning off lights or unplugging phone chargers, Bennett said "every little bit helps."
"It may not seem a lot for each individual person, but on a larger scale, it can really make a big impact, because this is truly a supply and demand issue," Bennett said. "The overall goal is that we protect the grid, which ultimately will keep the energy flowing for all of us."
AEP Ohio remains in "close communication" with PJM, and Bennett encouraged Ohioans to follow AEP Ohio on Instagram, X or Facebook to stay updated on potential blackouts and learn more tips to conserve energy.
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com, or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: AEP Ohio says blackouts, power outages not expected despite heat wave
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