Midwest power grid operator warns of need to conserve electricity as historic winter storm sweeps across US
Energy company Ameren was told by MISO that electricity needs to be conserved by customers until further notice due to high demand the weather conditions.
Dangerous ice storm taking shape threatening widespread power outages and travel concerns as warnings expand
A dangerous ice storm takes shape in the South threatening widespread power outages for millions of Americans for several days and major travel concerns. Ice Storm Warnings have expanded across the region including in Charlotte, Raleigh, Memphis, Greenville and a mass of areas in the South. FOX Weather Meteorologist analyzes the potentially catastrophic threat forecast to bring dangerous winter weather to millions in the region.
ST. LOUIS Mo. – As a powerful and historic winter storm makes its way across the United States, power outages and problems are spiking due to heavy snow and dangerous ice. Nearly 80,000 power outages have been reported across New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.
As the storm continues on its path towards the Northeast, more regions are preparing for their turn to deal with the wintry system.
The regional grid operator, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, has informed Midwest energy companies that energy needs to be conserved.
(FOX Weather)
Energy company Ameren was told by MISO that electricity needs to be conserved by customers until further notice due to high demand and weather conditions.
"Ameren currently has enough energy available to cover our customers' needs," says Ameren. "By acting now to limit and reduce consumption, we can help ensure customers in Missouri, Illinois and across the Midwest stay safe in the cold weather."
FILE — An electrical line worker clears snow-laden power lines on Oct. 31, 2012.
(Jeff Swensen / Getty Images)
MISO comprises a pool of electricity generators and users that span from Canada to the Gulf of America, and is responsible for monitoring the portion of the electric grid and providing instructions to its members regarding actions needed to maintain reliability.
Stay with FOX Weather for 24/7 coverage and get live updates on the storm as it blasts the nation with crippling ice and dangerous snow across a 2,300-mile path.