Peak energy alert starts Tuesday

(ABC 6 News) – On the morning of Dec. 19, a peak energy alert will go into effect for customers of the People’s Energy Cooperative, which serves a number of communities in Southeast Minnesota.

The alert responds to a high demand on the regional electrical grid. Residents in the area are urged to conserve electricity from roughly 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. by setting their heat to at least 68 degrees, running the dishwasher or laundry machines later in the day and refraining from turning on TVs or gaming systems.

Each small action could reduce the demand on the electric grid, according to local energy providers.