Customers asked to reduce energy use

FORT COLLINS, Colo., February 14, 2021 – Unprecedented cold weather and snow is causing a natural gas shortage and impacting availability of energy from Platte River’s solar fields and wind turbines. Customers in Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland are asked to reduce use of electricity between 4 and 10 p.m. today.

“We are working closely with our utility partners to maintain service for our owner communities and surrounding areas,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River Power Authority, “and we are asking all customers to reduce their demand for electricity. Platte River prepares for extreme events such as this and we’re confident we will continue to provide reliable power.”

Customers within the four owner communities are asked to reduce demand by turning down the thermostat on heaters and postponing the use of dishwashers and clothes washers and electric dryers, or other electrical devices until further notice. Customers who require electricity to maintain their health or medical equipment may continue normal use.

Regular updates regarding this issue will be posted on Platte River’s website, www.prpa.org and social media platforms.

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Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit, community-owned public power utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colo., for delivery to their utility customers. For more information, visit prpa.org.