THEY SAY THAT THEY WILL SHARE MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. AND THIS FRIGID COLD IS PUTTING A STRAIN ON UTILITY COMPANIES RIGHT NOW. SOME, LIKE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL OR ORLANDO UTILITIES, SENT OUT TEXT MESSAGES, EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS THIS MORNING. ONE EMAIL FROM OUC READ THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR COMING TOGETHER TODAY TO HELP REDUCE ENERGY USE DURING THE COLDER MORNING HOURS. DEMAND ACROSS OUR SYSTEM WAS VERY HIGH AND THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY OUR CUSTOMERS. SMALL ADJUSTMENTS MADE COLLECTIVELY REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE. THEY ALSO REMINDED US THAT AS TOMORROW MORNING BEGINS AND HOMES, SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES
Officials, power companies urge Florida residents to conserve electricity
Updated: 7:24 PM EST Feb 1, 2026
Officials are urging Central Florida residents to reduce electricity usage as the state continues to experience some of the lowest temperatures in over a decade.Duke Energy is asking all customers to voluntarily reduce their energy use from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, calling the time frame “peak hours.”The company cites the extremely cold temperatures as the reason for an unusually high demand for electricity across the southeast. “It is meant to help protect the grid and keep electricity flowing for as many customers as possible,” the company said in a news release.Duke Energy provided a list of ways customers can lower their energy use: Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the less energy you use.Avoid using appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.Turn off any unnecessary devices, unused plug-ins and lights.Electric vehicle owners: charge midday when demand is lower.”We know power is an essential part of our customers’ everyday lives, and we recognize that reducing electricity usage isn’t an easy ask,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and understanding as we work to continue providing safe, reliable service for our more than 2 million customers during this cold spell.” In line with Duke Energy’s request is that of the OUC. The OUC issues an alert saying, “We need your help.”Energy demand across the state is higher than usual, resulting in reduced power supply, the company said.The utility company asked Central Florida residents to reduce electricity usage, particularly heating and other high-energy activities.Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano used his social media platforms to push the message even further to Marion County residents, adding, “We are asking for your help to conserve energy during peak hours.”You can help by:Setting the thermostats a few degrees lowerAvoiding EV charging during peak hoursLimiting hot water useDelaying use of large appliancesPeak hours include:7-10 p.m.6-9 a.m.”Small changes make a big difference,” Marciano said.Watch full video here.
Officials are urging Central Florida residents to reduce electricity usage as the state continues to experience some of the lowest temperatures in over a decade.
Duke Energy is asking all customers to voluntarily reduce their energy use from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, calling the time frame “peak hours.”
The company cites the extremely cold temperatures as the reason for an unusually high demand for electricity across the southeast.
“It is meant to help protect the grid and keep electricity flowing for as many customers as possible,” the company said in a news release.
Duke Energy provided a list of ways customers can lower their energy use:
Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the less energy you use.Avoid using appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.Turn off any unnecessary devices, unused plug-ins and lights.Electric vehicle owners: charge midday when demand is lower.
“We know power is an essential part of our customers’ everyday lives, and we recognize that reducing electricity usage isn’t an easy ask,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and understanding as we work to continue providing safe, reliable service for our more than 2 million customers during this cold spell.”
In line with Duke Energy’s request is that of the OUC.
The OUC issues an alert saying, “We need your help.”
Energy demand across the state is higher than usual, resulting in reduced power supply, the company said.
The utility company asked Central Florida residents to reduce electricity usage, particularly heating and other high-energy activities.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano used his social media platforms to push the message even further to Marion County residents, adding, “We are asking for your help to conserve energy during peak hours.”
You can help by:
Setting the thermostats a few degrees lowerAvoiding EV charging during peak hoursLimiting hot water useDelaying use of large appliances
Peak hours include:
“Small changes make a big difference,” Marciano said.
Watch full video here.