The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has issued a high energy alert for Louisiana as extreme heat continues to drive up electricity demand across the region.
The alert comes as air conditioners run at full capacity, raising concerns that the power grid could become strained. CLECO, one of the region’s utility providers, issued a statement saying the alert was issued to help utilities across multiple states align resources and maintain system readiness—all in an effort to avoid widespread outages like the one that occurred in May.
As temperatures soar, many homeowners across southeast Louisiana are reporting problems with their air conditioning systems.
“It could be as simple as a service call for maybe $115 all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars,” said Josh Phenis, general manager of American Cooling & Heating.
Phenis said the most common issues leading to A/C failure during peak heat include clogged filters, dirty coils and backed-up drain lines, problems he says are preventable with proper maintenance.
“Refrigerant levels are not where they should be. The filters have been neglected, causing all kinds of issues,” Phenis said. “The majority of what we find, if it’s not just from old age, can be prevented.”
While cooling systems are under stress, medical experts warn that the human body is as well.
Nurse practitioners say heat exhaustion can quickly progress into heatstroke, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and outdoor workers.
“You’re going to see confusion, loss of consciousness, dizziness. Those are emergent things that need to be taken care of quickly,” Anna Strahan, with Rapid Urgent Care in Covington, said.
Officials recommend staying indoors during peak heat hours, hydrating regularly, and having an emergency plan in place in the event of a power outage.
READ MORE:MISO issues high energy alert for Louisiana amid extreme heat
