N O R T H A R K A N S A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
Power Under Pressure
Working together to lower demand
22
JANUARY 2026
NORTH ARK ANSAS ELEC TRIC COOPERATIVE
STEVE BUISSINNE
WATER HEATER REPAIR PORTLAND
When outdoor temperatures These proactive steps are designed to ensure our drop, electricity use typically rises. portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme Colder weather drives members conditions. Yet, maintaining a reliable electric system requires indoors, where they rely more a collective effort, and every member plays an important role heavily on home heating systems, in lowering demand when the grid is under stress. MEL COLEMAN more lighting and household Members can help by taking simple actions during appliances. Heating systems often periods of high electricity use, especially on the coldest CEO run longer and more frequently days of winter: to maintain comfortable indoor 1. Lower thermostats slightly. Even reducing temperatures. Also, most people use electricity at the the temperature by a few degrees can help. same times — typically in the mornings and early 2. Delay using large appliances during peak evenings — and the result is significant pressure on the hours. Run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers electric grid. during off-peak hours — typically midday or late evening. North Arkansas Electric works closely with Arkansas 3. Adjust water heaters. Setting it to 120 degrees Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC), a generation and spacing out showers help conserve both energy and and transmission cooperative, to plan for seasonal hot water. weather patterns and changes and ensure reliable power 4. Unplug unnecessary devices. Power used is always available. This partnership involves detailed for lighting and electronics adds up and accounts for resource and long-term infrastructure planning to make a significant portion of home energy use. Disconnect certain electricity is available. However, it’s important to unused items to reduce energy waste. remember that our local system is part of a much larger 5. Dress in layers. Bundle up and dress in layers regional and national electric grid. rather than using space heaters, which use a lot of During the winter months, when homes and electricity. businesses across the country are using more electricity simultaneously, overall demand can approach or could exceed available supply. This is especially true during severe weather events, such as ice storms, sudden temperature drops or equipment malfunctions that reduce generation capacity. In rare cases when demand threatens to outpace supply, the regional grid operator Keeping the water heater temperature Try time-shifting energy-intensive chores like washing and drying may call for temporary, at 120 degrees can save money on your clothes to off-peak hours, when energy demand is lower. controlled outages — often utility bill. referred to as curtailments — to prevent broader system failures. If such a situation Understanding how winter weather impacts arises, we will provide timely updates and information to electricity demand is key to maintaining system members. reliability. By practicing simple energy conservation To prepare for these scenarios and minimize risks, habits at home, members save money on monthly bills we take proactive measures to strengthen reliability and help strengthen the resilience of the grid. Small year-round. These include routine system maintenance, actions and shared awareness can ensure that homes investments in grid modernization and comprehensive remain warm, lights stay on and the local grid continues disaster response planning. to operate reliably throughout the season.