KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Public Utilities and Independence Power and Light became the latest utilities Monday to urge residents to conserve power.
On Sunday, Evergy, the region’s largest electric provider, urged customers to conserve power when able, citing stresses on the Southwest Power Pool electrical grid and heating fuel supplies.
Earlier this week, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of emergencyas the state continued to battle frigid temps.
"As the extreme cold temperatures continue to affect the region, we are urging Kansans to conserve energy in order to help ensure a continued supply of natural gas and electricity and keep their own personal costs down," Kelly said.
Prices of heating fuel such as natural gas and propane have increased during the historic temperature plunge.
In an e-mail calling on Kansans to conserve energy, Sen. Roger Marshall (R - Kan.) said the state’s reserves of natural gas have been tapped to help increase supply.
“I appreciate the dedication of officials in Kansas to ensuring our businesses and residents have the natural gas and propane needed to continue powering their homes and businesses through this cold weather,” Marshall said in the release. “We will be doing all we can at the federal level to confirm no foul play or price gouging has occurred and continue to support our utility companies and community leaders as they work diligently to keep Kansans warm. In the meantime, I urge my fellow Kansans to do everything they can to conserve energy and keep energy costs low.”
Customers can take the following steps to reduce their energy consumption:
- Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees). Avoid the use of electric space heaters.
- Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Change or clean filters on furnaces.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in your home.
- When possible, use large appliances (clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers) between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Reduce air leaks that let cold air in by sealing around doors and windows with weather-stripping or caulk and inserting foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets.
- Businesses should reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential processes.
