Evergy reports it can meet demand in Kansas without blackouts during winter storm
As severely cold temperatures sweep through Wichita, some might be getting flashbacks to February 2021, when Evergy implemented rolling blackouts to preserve energy amid severe temperatures.
As of Wednesday afternoon, officials said they do not plan to implement rolling blackouts at this time.
“There’s no scheduled rolling blackouts that we’ve heard of through any of our energy companies,” Sedgwick County Emergency Management Director Julie Stimson said.
The county has kept in contact with Evergy, Kansas’ largest energy company, about preparedness for the winter storm, Stimson said.
“We’ve had talks with Evergy ... they were in our emergency operations center yesterday, we’re having discussions [to make plans],” Stimson said.
In an email to the Eagle, an Evergy spokesperson said the energy supplier “currently has enough generation to meet customer demand” as they prepare for the frigid cold weather.
The company will continue to monitor conditions so they will be prepared to respond to any outages accordingly, the spokesperson said.
Rolling blackouts are temporary power outages meant to control electricity demand during a shortage. The blackouts in February 2021 were done in 30- to 60-minute intervals on randomly selected blocks. A spokesperson last year said those blackouts were the first time the company had to implement the measure in the Kansas region since the 1980s.
Tips to stay safe if you lose power
Stimson said the county has worked with partners to have shelters ready in case some people find themselves without power.
The arctic blast rolled in overnight Wednesday, bringing wind chills, blowing snow and more to the area, including temperatures below zero.
With cold weather comes the possibility of losing power. Here are some ways to prepare yourself ahead of a potential outage:
- Keep your cell phone charged
- Have water
- Pack extra non-perishable food
- Wear layers
- Have extra blankets on hand
- Prepare a first-aid kit
- Have snow shovels and other snow-removing gear available
