Florida public power utilities detailed plans to respond to severe cold weather forecast for the state.
“Florida’s public power utilities are closely monitoring extreme winter weather conditions expected over the weekend into early next week,” said Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, on Jan. 30.
“Our utilities are preparing their systems for the record cold, monitoring the grid and weather conditions around the clock, and readying customers for bitterly cold temperatures across the state,” she said.
“While North Florida periodically experiences colder weather, this cold snap is expected to extend into central and parts of South Florida as well. FMEA is assisting our member utilities in proactively sharing cold-weather safety information and energy and cost saving tips to help customers stay safe and manage their energy use and cost.”
Jacksonville, Fla.-based JEA said it is “closely monitoring the weather as forecasts call for a severe cold front with temperatures dropping to subfreezing levels Saturday through Monday. JEA crews are prepared to respond to any outage or system issue that may occur.”
JEA facilities “are prepared, fuel supplies are being carefully managed, and all available generation resources are ready to operate during this extreme weather. JEA is working with industry partners as all utilities throughout Florida prepare for the freeze. “
"Unusually cold temperatures are forecast from Saturday through Monday, with overnight lows in the mid-20s and a high of only 45 degrees on Sunday. These conditions are rare for our area and have not been seen since 2010," said New Smyrna Beach Utilities,
"As your utility provider, New Smyrna Beach Utilities electric and water operations teams are prepared for this weather anomaly. Our Electric System and Water Operations Centers are staffed 24x7. We have coordinated with our wholesale energy provider to assure that we have sufficient supply to cover what will likely be unprecedented energy demand. As always, our crews are prepared to respond to any service calls in connection with NSBU utility services," it said.
Orlando, Fla.-based public power utility OUC encouraged customers to conserve energy during peak morning hours, when demand is expected to be highest.
OUC officials said the electric grid remained reliable and was being monitored continuously. "However, extreme cold drives a sharp increase in energy use as heating systems require significantly more electricity than cooling and must work harder to keep homes and businesses warm – especially during early morning hours when people are starting their day," it said.
Demand was expected to peak Sunday and Monday mornings. Targeted conservation during these periods can help reduce strain on the system and support continued reliability, ir said.
Kissimmee Utility Authority encouraged customers to prepare for an extended period of extremely cold temperatures impacting Osceola County through Monday and urged customers to use energy wisely during critical morning and evening peak hours.
"According to weather forecasts, overnight temperatures in Central Florida are expected to fall between 24 and 29 degrees, with daytime highs remaining unusually low. These conditions, not seen in the region since 2010, are driving exceptionally high electricity demand across much of the Central and Eastern United States, including Florida," KUA said.
"As a result, wholesale electricity costs during three-hour morning and evening peak periods could be significantly higher than normal, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Using electricity wisely during these times helps manage system demand and reduce overall power costs for the community," it said.
"KUA and its power supply partners are working around the clock to ensure reliable service. Power plants across Florida have been winterized, fuel supplies are being carefully managed, and all available generation resources are prepared to operate during this extended cold event."
The public power community of Tallahassee said on Jan. 29 that lready low temperatures were set to dip deeper into freezing in North Florida over the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, “a powerful Arctic front is set to blast through our region starting Saturday morning. This is expected to be the coldest air we’ve seen in years.” Strong winds are also in the forecast, which could push the feels-like temperature even lower.
"Prolonged cold, like is currently being experienced, increases the amount of energy necessary to heat homes and businesses," the city said.
The City recorded its all-time peak electric load of 633 megawatts (MW) on Monday, January 11, 2010, during a stretch of winter weather when temperatures dropped to 14 degrees.
The week of Jan. 26 saw peak loads as high as 560 MW. The extended cold weather was being driven by Winter Storm Fern, which pushed Arctic air south across much of the United States, bringing widespread winter impacts.
Florida public power utilities also shared tips with customers related to the cold through social media channels.
