Monday | July 20, 2026
SPP EEA Thank you

UPDATE: Thank you to MPE members who cut back on electricity usage on the evening of July 20 in response to SPP's energy emergency alert (EEA). According to SPP, as the western area of SPP neared its daily peak for energy use, the outage of a generation facility put the region's operating reserves at risk. There was never a need for SPP to implement controlled service interruptions as a last resort to maintain the balance of the region's energy supply and demand, they said, thanks to the availability of reserves, imports and other mitigation steps taken by SPP and its member utilities. The EEA concluded at 9:35 p.m. that same evening.

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A Message to Mountain Parks Electric Members

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Regional Transmission Organization that operates the bulk electric grid serving numerous utilities in the west including Mountain Parks Electric (highlighted in dark purple on the SPP map), has declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) for its Western Balancing Authority area. Exceptionally high electricity demand, reduced output from variable energy resources, and generation availability concerns could affect system reliability and cause service interruptions. 

What This Means for Members

As part of its emergency operating procedures, SPP has requested all utilities and consumers within the affected region to conserve electricity whenever possible. Conservation helps reduce strain on the regional power grid and can lessen the need for additional emergency actions.

What You Can Do To Help

  • Raise your thermostat by 2–3 degrees if it is safe and comfortable to do so.
  • Delay running major appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines, and electric ovens until later this evening.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights, TVs, computers, and other electronics when not in use.
  • Unplug chargers and devices that are not being actively used.
  • Avoid charging electric vehicles during peak demand hours if possible.
  • Keep blinds or curtains closed on sun-facing windows to reduce cooling needs.

Mountain Parks Electric continues to monitor conditions closely. We appreciate our members' cooperation in conserving energy and helping maintain reliability across the regional electric grid. Additional updates will be provided as they become available. 

Thank you for your assistance and support.