SWEPCO Says You Can Help Prevent Rolling Blackouts

Ark-La-Tex residents are still trying to cool off from hot summer temperatures. AEP SWEPCO Communications Director Mike Young says the company is seeing record high energy usage. "With the number of days with 100 degree plus temperatures, coupled with the humidity... SWEPCO set an all-time peak usage of electricity." Power companies across the area and around the country are facing an overload of energy usage, leaving some residents in the dark. Young says there haven`t been any rolling blackouts in the Ark-La-Tex yet, but he isn`t ruling them out. "We have to anticipate higher temperatures and the affect it will have on our system and then take action... Rather than interrupt service to all customers, or to a large number of customers, if you interrupt service for a short time to different customers on a schedule, then we`re able to get through the difficult periods." But there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent rolling blackouts, and keep your energy costs down. 1. Check your thermostat, make sure it`s set to 78 degrees.. 2. Use ceiling fans to circulate air 3. Close blinds on the sunny side of your home. For more energy conservation tips just click on the link to AEP SWEPCO`s website.