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Area utilities experiencing heavy demand, issue conservation plea
in Acadiana region
CLECO, Entergy, Louisiana Energy and Power and Authority,
Lafayette Utilities System, SLEMCO
June 18, 2010 — Electric utilities in the Acadiana
region are currently experiencing heavy demand for electricity which is causing
congestion on the transmission system in the Acadiana area. Because of the
increased demand, the regulatory authority over the transmission system may
direct the utilities to interrupt customers’ electric service temporarily.
The companies are urging customers to conserve energy by reducing their usage.
The most effective conservation measure customers can take is to raise the
thermostat on their air conditioning unit or turn their unit off, if health
permits. Also, residents can turn off household electrical appliances not required
for medical purposes.
If controlled interruptions of service become necessary, electric service
will be interrupted for varying periods of time to relieve overloads on the
system. The utilities will only take this step as a last resort to protect
the system from damage and prevent long-term, widespread power outages.
Please stay tuned to local television and radio stations for updates regarding
this situation. You can also check the utilities’ Web sites.
The utilities are working together on a daily basis to ensure the least number
of customers are impacted if controlled interruptions of service are necessary.
Other tips to reduce power usage:
- Customers who need air conditioning should set their thermostat at the
highest comfortable temperature.
- If possible, customers should use fans instead of air conditioners.
- Don't use major appliances such as electric dryers, ranges, washing machines
and dehumidifiers. If necessary, use during night-time hours.
- Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the heat of the day.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and refrain from using computers.
For additional ways to conserve energy during the summer, please visit the utilities’ Web
sites at www.cleco.com, www.entergy.com, www.lepa.com, www.lus.org and www.slemco.com.
Cleco media contact:
Susan Broussard
318-484-7773
susan.broussard@cleco.com
Entergy media contact:
Liz Duhon
337-272-3065
lduhon@entergy.com
LEPA media contact:
Errol Ortego
337-237-8439
errolo@lepa.com
LUS media contact:
Beth Chiasson
337-291-8930
bethchiasson@lus.org
SLEMCO
media contact:
Mary Laurent
337-896-2520
marylaurent@slemco.com
6/18/10
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