Local utilities ready to handle extreme cold; crews deployed to assist around the region

As residents dig their way out of the weekend’s winter storm a continued concern is the effect the extreme cold temperatures could have on local utilities. The National Weather Service has the area under an Extreme Cold Warning until Tuesday at noon with overnight lows forecasted in the single digits and feels like temperatures in the negative digits. KTLO, Classic Hits and the Boot News reached out to local utility representatives for an update Monday afternoon on how they are preparing and where crews are being focused at this time.

Ice storms in Mississippi and Louisiana have caused major disruptions for Entergy over the weekend. Entergy Arkansas Customer Service Manager Mark Martin says luckily the Twin Lakes area had no major disruptions and the grid is handling the cold weather.

Listen:

click to download audio

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative CEO Mel Coleman says Monday broke records for demand in the region but the system is holding well and they are sending some lineman out to Tennessee to assist with the ice storm that hit that region hard.

Listen:

click to download audio

Gas demand tends to increase during times of extreme cold but Black Hills Energy Communications Director Robin Mizell says recent investments in the local system are paying off as no issues have been reported through the recent storm.

Listen:

click to download audio

Local utilities recommend increasing home efficiency by sealing drafts with weatherstripping, using heavy curtains, and running ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air. Maximize natural heat by opening curtains on sunny, south facing windows during the day and closing them at night.

WebReady^TM Powered by WireReady^® NSI