Residents urged to cut electricity use during cold snap as outages hit our area

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — As cold temperatures continue across South Florida, utilities are asking residents to reduce electricity use during peak hours to help ease strain on the power grid and limit additional outages.

According to PowerOutage.us, a statewide outage tracker that compiles data from multiple utility providers, thousands of you from across our area are waking up in the dark on Monday morning.

With heaters and hot water systems running more frequently during the cold snap, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority said energy demand across Florida remains higher than normal and can place added strain on the electric system.

The utility is asking customers to conserve electricity during peak demand hours — 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday and 6 to 9 a.m. Monday — when the grid is under the most pressure.

Officials say small changes at home can make a meaningful difference.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Set the thermostats two degrees lower
• Avoid frequently adjusting the thermostat
• Delay using large appliances, such as washers and dryers, until outside peak hours
• Charge electric vehicles after 9 a.m. or during mid-day when possible
• Limit hot water use, especially during the morning peak hours

Utility crews said even minor reductions in use over the next several days can help manage demand and reduce strain on the electrical system during the cold weather period.

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Fort Pierce Utilities Authority also said it remains engaged in statewide coordination related to electric grid operations and will continue to share updates as conditions change. Crews remain in the field, responding to short and intermittent outages caused by gusty winds across its service territory.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local outage updates and conserve energy during peak periods as cold temperatures persist across the region.