Heat Wave Puts Strain On Power Grid

The sweltering heat wave is raising demands on the local power grid.

 

 

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The sweltering heat wave is raising demands on the local power grid.

Xcel Energy's Fargo Manager Mark Nisbet said heavy use, caused by air conditioners, has put a strain on some parts of the system. In Fargo, that has caused a few small outages.

"We've been really pleased with the way the system has been holding up," said Nisbet. "Once you start adding the heat and the humidity and air conditioners running without shutting off, nobody's opening their windows at night to cool off when it's this humid, so we have had several transformers that have gone out. What that means then the crews have to mobilize and get out there and switch those transformers."

Nisbet said while there is plenty of electricity available, it is still a good idea to try minimize power use as much as possible.

(KFGO file photo)

 

Don Haney

   

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