Residents encouraged to continue conserving energy

UPDATE (Thursday morning):

The Southwest Power Pool has announced that it is no longer under an energy emergency alert.  However, due to continuing high loads and other implications of severe cold weather, all Southwest Power Pool members, including the City of Madison and the East River Electric Cooperative territory, remain in a period of energy conservation efforts and reduced usage until 10:00 tonight.  At that time, all conservation restrictions will be lifted.  

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The need to continue conserving energy continues Thursday.  As of last evening, the Southwest Power Pool had declared a Level 2 Energy Emergency Alert, but that has returned to a Level 1 Thursday morning.  East River Electric Power Cooperative reported that this alert will remain in effect until further notice.  The demand on the electric system is expected to remain high through around noon Thursday.

In order to conserve energy, residents are encouraged to shut off unneeded lights, delay laundry and dishes, lower the thermostat, and unplug unused devices.