A rolling blackout or load shed program, is an intentional shutdown of electricity for non-overlapping periods over different parts of the distribution territory. They are a last resort measure to avoid a total blackout of the power system. Should a severe weather event necessitate load shedding, our generation and transmission (G&T) partners, AECI and Central, are authorized to mandate rolling blackouts across their respective distribution cooperatives, including CREC. 

In the past when prolonged and severe weather conditions have impacted our state, AECI and Central requested help from all of its member distribution cooperatives to ask their members to reduce energy usage. That kind of collaborative effort is what prevented the implementation of rolling blackouts – and it is the first step we would take again in extreme weather conditions.

As a distribution cooperative, CREC is just one part of the three-tier cooperative model. We rely on our G&T partners to create and transfer power to CREC which we then distribute to members. If their systems are threatened, our system’s strength becomes irrelevant. If they go down, we go down – it is out of CREC’s control. This is also true if the interconnections of RTOs (regional transmission organizations) are put at risk or fail due to weather. RTOs are responsible for the very complex work of balancing supply and demand for energy on the transmission grid in real-time. RTOs also have the authority to mandate rolling blackouts in dire situations for all of the connected energy providers.

The need for a rolling blackout is not a consequence of problems with CREC's ability to deliver electricity, but rather a direct result of a shortage of power generated. Imagine trying to fill a bucket from an empty well. No matter how good the bucket or how well you draw, the bucket will remain empty if there's no water in the well.

Because we have come so close to having to use rolling blackouts, CREC encourages members to learn more about how severe weather impacts the three-tiered co-op system that serves them and how to be prepared for the possibility. If rolling blackouts become necessary, CREC will do its best to give its members as much advance notice as possible. This will depend on how quickly AECI and Central direct CREC to implement such a mandate. Normally, a rolling blackout lasts anywhere from 2-4 hours, but depending on the circumstances, it could be shorter/longer.

Preparing for outages

To be ready for any weather event that could cause an outage of any kind, we encourage members to have a plan in place, should that outage become extensive. Make sure you have:

· Bottled water and ready-to-eat foods (preparedness experts recommend a three-day supply on hand)

· A manual can opener

· Blankets (for cold weather emergencies)

· First aid kit

· Battery-operated phone chargers, radio, clock, and flashlights, along with extra batteries for these items

· A portable generator

· Friends/family you can stay with should the outage become extensive

In case of very severe winter weather conditions when you’re asked to help reduce power usage:

· Turn down your thermostat a few degrees and use a blanket or warm clothing to help conserve and stay warm

· Limit the use of larger appliances such as laundry or dishwashers

· Use smaller kitchen appliances like toaster ovens, microwaves, and slow

cookers to make meals, rather than relying on your range or oven

· Be sure to turn off and unplug space heaters that you don't need to use

· Be mindful of the amount of time you utilize a space heater and reduce it, if possible

· Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use