Electric Advisory Issued – Louisiana Blackout Risk Because of Extreme Heat

(KMDL-FM) The United States Department of Energy is once again taking a preemptive and precautionary tactic to prevent power customers in Louisiana and 16 other states from having to go even one minute without power during this historic heatwave.

The SPP, or Southwest Power Pool, a regional transmission organization that manages the high-voltage electric grid, coordinates wholesale power, and ensures power grid reliability across the nation, has issued what is known in industry terms as a Resource Advisory. 

How Does a Resource Advisory on the Power Grid Affect Your Day-to-Day Life?

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To laymen like you and me who don't normally spend our waking hours studying the logistics and lingo of the power grid can rest assured a Resource Advisory is not a bad thing.

It's like the equivalent of a long-range weather forecast. Basically, what this resource advisory does is let power managers, city managers, and government emergency management agency specialists know that there is a potential strain about to be placed on the power grid.

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In the case of the current Resource Advisory, the strain is the extreme heat and the potential for prolonged periods of high heat. The high temperatures will result in more energy consumption, and it's the mission of the SPP to make sure that when you flip the switch on your air conditioner, there is power available to help keep you cool.

When Was the Current Advisory Issued and How Long Will it Be In Effect?

The current Resource Advisory was put in place on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The current plan is for that advisory to remain in effect through at least August 19, 2026.

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The Southwest Power Pool reminds you that Resource Advisories are still considered normal operating conditions and do not require the public to conserve energy or take any action, but are issued to raise awareness of potential threats to reliability among entities responsible for operating transmission and generation facilities.

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So, as of now, no additional input or action is needed on your part. However, we would be totally remiss if we didn't suggest that you attempt at least some measures of conservation just to save yourself some money when the power bill arrives at the end of the month. Here are a few ways you can help yourself and help save some money too.