We're expecting peak demand across our region over the weekend and into Monday. While this is NOT a reliability concern, periods of high demand can increase our power supply costs. OEC is billed by KAMO, our power supplier, based upon our three highest demand peaks in the summer and three highest peaks in the winter. These peaks are used to determine what OEC pays for power for the entire year.

As a result of this extreme heat and expected demand peak, Ozark Electric is issuing a Peak Alert period for Sunday, September 6 and Monday, September 7 and asking members to voluntarily reduce electricity usage from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on both days.

Simple ways to help include:

• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
• Raise your thermostat a few degrees
• Alternate the use of major appliances
• Wait until later to do laundry or run the dishwasher
• Use curtains and blinds to help keep the sun out

Again, this is not in response to any reliability concerns. Small, voluntary actions can make a meaningful difference and help reduce power supply costs benefiting the entire membership. As always, anyone with medical, health, or safety concerns should not participate.