Oklahoma heat wave drives power demand, utilities work to keep grid reliable

TULSA, Okla. — Triple-digit temperatures across Oklahoma are pushing air conditioners into overdrive, driving up electricity demand and putting added pressure on the power grid.

For Tulsa resident Jailah Martin, the heat has been especially difficult after her air conditioner broke down following days of running during triple-digit temperatures. Martin said she came home expecting to cool down after work but instead walked into a house that “felt like a heat wave coming through,” and noticed her thermostat was “at about 88 degrees.”

“But then it got to a point where it wasn’t even trying to cool down, so I noticed that my AC was broke,” Martin said. She said the breakdown forced her to change plans and spend a couple of days at a friend’s house to cool off, calling the situation “a little frustrating” because “the conditions outside are already very hot. It’s already 100 plus degrees on a on a daily.”

As families deal with the impact of the heat, Public Service Company of Oklahoma said it prepares for high-demand days year-round. PSO spokesperson Matt Rahn said that includes ensuring there is enough power available to meet customer demand, including adding new sources of generation.

“So things like making sure we have enough generation. Just last year, we brought on the Green Country Power Plant online onto our generation portfolio, and that brings extra generation for our customers to provide energy for for all of our existing customers here in Oklahoma,” Rahn said.

PSO said it is also working to reduce the risk of outages as more people use power during extreme heat. Rahn said that includes maintaining and upgrading infrastructure.

“We’re making sure things like distribution lines, transmission lines are are up to date and working well, and being replaced and working as good as they should be for any kind of severe weather and year round,” Rahn said.

Rahn also encouraged customers to help manage energy use by closing blinds to keep the sun out, waiting until the evening to run large appliances, and keeping HVAC systems clean and well maintained so they do not have to work as hard.