What is a Power Watch or Power Warning? What is the difference?

The North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) requires electric utilities to warn customers in the event of potential or actual electrical supply emergencies. These are extreme measures. We hope the condition never arises but you need to be aware of the potential so you can respond appropriately in an emergency.

Power Watch

A Power Watch is a condition where the potential exists for electric energy demand to exceed electric energy supply. If a Power Watch is issued, MPW will ask residential, commercial, and industrial customers to voluntarily cut back on electric energy usage by turning off or cutting back the usage of electrical energy-intensive appliances, such as air conditioners, electric ranges, and electric dryers.

Power Warning

A Power Warning is an urgent and mandatory call to customers to reduce energy usage because, at the time the warning is issued, the electric energy demand is actually exceeding electric energy supply. If a Power Warning is issued, MPW customers must immediately take action to curtail electricity usage except for essential needs.