Baldwin EMC Energy Cooperative is ready to service members in case of mass power outages caused by frigid winter weather.
"We're hopeful that it doesn't turn into an ice storm," said Baldwin EMC vice president of Corporate Services & Public Relations Mark Ingram. "I'd much rather, from a utility perspective, have snow than ice."
The cooperative has been monitoring forecasts and watching sources such as the National Weather Service (NWS), local meteorologist Dr. Bill Williams, the Coastal Weather Research Institute at the University of South Alabama and the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Ingram said those sources help them prepare for the worst.
Concerns with this system include wind gusts of up to 25 mph, ice and the electrical distribution system.
"Everybody is cranking up the heat to stay warm," Ingram said. "But all of that causes stress on the system and with the extreme cold temperatures that we're expecting for three or four days now, that is causing us concern to make sure we continue to deliver reliable power to our members."
Baldwin EMC's control center is manned 24/7, and personnel monitor the load at all substations. As soon as a circuit nears capacity, loads are switched. Still, Ingram said there are things members can do to make a big difference.
"We encourage people to lower their thermostat a degree or two," said Ingram. "If you lower it to just a degree or two, it makes a tremendous impact with more and more people doing that."
"Also, we encourage people to not use appliances unless it's absolutely necessary, like your dryer or your washing machine or your dishwasher," he continued. "Then the other thing is any unnecessary electronics, unplug them from the power outlets because they're still drawing power even when they're off."
Ingram said trucks are prepared to respond to outages throughout the service area. As soon as an outage is reported to the control center, trucks will roll.
Baldwin EMC also has mutual aid agreements with all of the electric cooperatives throughout the nation.
While there is an automated system that will alert Baldwin EMC to outages, Ingram said it is best to call or text if you experience an outage. The number to call is 251-989-6247 or text BALDWIN OUTAGE to 85700.
Baldwin EMC has not had any recent rate increases and does not expect to have any during this unprecedented weather event. While power bills will likely be higher after the extremely cold temperatures, Ingram said any member could contact the office ahead of time with any concerns about paying bills.
"Give us a call," he said. "Talk to us. Let us know your situation. We have ways to work with members to help them with their power bills. So the main thing is to reach out to us. Don't wait till the last minute."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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