Is Louisiana Looking at Possible Load Shedding?

Shreveport-area residents should not read a new federal power order as a sign that rolling blackouts are about to begin. SWEPCO External Affairs Manager Michael Corbin told KEEL News on Wednesday that the regional grid remains stable, even as summer heat pushes power demand to unusually high levels. 

Federal Order Adds Backup Options 

The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order July 26 allowing Southwest Power Pool to use idle and backup generation resources across its 17-state territory. Louisiana is among the states served by the regional grid operator. 

Asked whether SWEPCO customers should expect load shedding, Corbin gave a direct answer: “In a very short statement, no, we’re not.” 

Southwest Power Pool raised grid awareness Sunday night because of heavy electricity use, then lowered it about three hours later. Corbin said worsening conditions could lead utilities to ask large industrial customers to reduce usage or rely on backup generation. 

“In no place does it mean we’re beginning to do rolling blackouts or cut power to customers,” Corbin said. 

He compared the federal action to severe weather awareness. Utilities and grid operators are watching conditions closely, but Corbin said SWEPCO does not expect residential outages. 

A Few Degrees Can Make a Difference 

Customers can help reduce strain while trimming summer bills. Corbin suggested raising the thermostat one or two degrees when it can be done safely, especially when nobody is home. 

“Maybe it’s time to bump that up a degree or two if you can tolerate it health-wise,” Corbin said. 

Large Swathes Of U.S. Under Excessive Heat Warnings

Regular air conditioner service and clean filters also matter. A system low on refrigerant or fighting through a dirty filter must work harder. Programmable thermostats can raise the temperature during work or school hours, then cool the house before residents return. 

SWEPCO offers incentives for qualifying smart thermostats, HVAC upgrades, insulation, caulking and weatherstripping. 

Options for Higher SWEPCO Bills 

Corbin warned that the next couple of billing cycles will likely be higher than normal because of the prolonged heat. Customers seeking predictable payments can consider SWEPCO’s Average Monthly Payment plan, which uses a rolling 12-month average. 

Louisiana customers may also qualify for Pay As You Go, a prepaid option that deducts daily usage from a funded balance. Payment arrangements are available for customers who have fallen behind. 

Corbin also encouraged customers to use the SWEPCO app for usage information, outage notices and restoration updates.