FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Power is preparing and is encouraging its customers to get ready as subzero temperatures and a wintry mix of snow and ice are set to move through the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory through Friday morning and a winter storm watch through Sunday for Eastern Kentucky. Forecasts call for temperatures to plummet Thursday night to as low as 20 degrees below zero, followed by a weekend storm system that could bring significant snow and ice accumulations. Kentucky Power is monitoring its distribution system closely to ensure reliability in advance of the expected increase in demand and possible outages.
“We do not anticipate widespread outages due to cold temperatures,” said Everett Phillips, Kentucky Power’s managing director of distribution operations. “Our system is designed to handle temperature extremes but we always want to be prepared. That’s why we will be monitoring the conditions and our system, especially during peak hours this evening and early in morning. In addition, Kentucky Power crews and contract workers are on alert to respond quickly in the event outages do occur.”
PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for more than 61 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, including Kentucky, predicted consumers in those states will use a record total of 140,510 megawatts of electricity Thursday night and Friday morning. PJM said Thursday that the electricity supply is expected to meet demands.
Consumers who voluntarily want to conserve energy during peak demand times can take simple steps to reduce their usage, such as postponing the use of stoves, dishwashers, clothes dryers and other major appliances until mid-day or after 9 p.m. when the demand for electricity decreases. They also can turn down their thermostats and turn off unused and unneeded lights and electrical appliances.
When severe weather is forecast, customers can prepare for outages by assembling an emergency kit with flashlights and fresh batteries; candles, matches, or lighters; water for drinking and cooking; canned goods and a manual can opener, and other supplies. A mobile cell phone charger also is useful.
Customers who lose service can report their outage to Kentucky Power by calling the customer service center toll-free at 1-800-572-1113. During times of high call volume callers may hear a recorded message and can leave a message about their outage. Those customers with access to a charged laptop, smartphone or tablet can report an outage online at www.kentuckypower.com. They also can check the website for individual outage details.
Kentucky Power, a unit of American Electric Power with headquarters in Frankfort, Ky., serves approximately 172,000 customers in all or part of 20 eastern Kentucky counties.