About the Power Grid

Keeping you safe this summer

The summer months in Louisiana can be a challenging time for everyone. Whether it is working from home, doing chores, shuffling the kids back and forth, or just taking a break from the heat, reliable electricity is critical.

The good news is Cleco Power cooperates with a regional grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), to help provide our customers with electricity they can rely on.

Cleco’s working relationship with MISO

MISO is responsible for monitoring the electric grid from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and provides directives to its members on actions needed to maintain reliability on the power grid. Cleco Power and over 50 other transmission owners are members of MISO. By participating in this large pool, Cleco Power can deliver electricity more reliably, efficiently and oftentimes at a lower price.

During periods of high demand, electric grid capacity could struggle to keep up with demand due to an increase in extreme temperatures. This may result in an imbalance in supply and demand and could put a strain on the electric grid. This imbalance could lead to MISO asking its members, like Cleco Power, to ask customers to conserve electricity and temporarily reduce energy usage, and in extreme cases, lead to controlled power outages.

All other options are exhausted before controlled outages are implemented, and every effort is made to notify customers beforehand. These events, however, can occur quickly and without notice due to the many variables that affect the power grid as a whole. Customers are encouraged to check Cleco’s website, follow the company’s social media accounts and pay attention to local news and radio stations.

Energy Conservation

Conserving energy during the peak hours of these summer months -or when requested by Cleco Power – is especially important. You can help us by following a few simple, cost-effective tips.

• Delay laundry, washing dishes, and other non-essential uses of electricity.
• When doing laundry, switch to cold water, wash full loads and hang clothes to dry instead of using a dryer.
• Cook foods at the lowest possible setting and refrain from opening the oven door while baking, or cook outdoors to avoid heating the indoors.
• Leave blinds, drapes and curtains closed to keep sunlight out.
• Raise the central thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if possible, and use a fan to help the air temperature feel 10 degrees cooler.

With your help, we can make this summer enjoyable and as non-eventful as possible. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for your business and continued confidence.