SPP Conservative Operations Update 2/20 12 P.M.

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CONSERVATIVE OPERATIONS UPDATE | 2/20/25 @ 12 P.M.
At this time, grid conditions appear to be holding stable. The current Conservative Operations alert is scheduled to end at 1 p.m. today.
We’d like to take a moment to address some questions we’ve received regarding extreme weather events and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).
How will fluctuating energy prices affect my energy bill?
Pioneer Electric’s generation and transmission provider, Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, evaluates grid conditions and prices to decide on how best to protect its members from high energy prices. For the past several years, Sunflower has implanted a “hedge” against high prices in the wholesale energy market during extreme weather months (winter and summer). This hedge acts as added protection for Pioneer Electric members from extreme fluctuations in SPP market energy prices.
Are EEA events limited to just a specific season or time of year?
Advisories and alerts can be issued at any time during the year but are most common during periods of extreme temperatures. In this instance, the impacts of regionally cold temperatures on the SPP’s 14-state footprint have contributed to increased demand in power.
When will rolling outages occur?
The SPP has several levels of advisories and alerts it can issue during extreme weather events. Rolling outages do not occur until an Energy Emergency Alert level 3. However, grid conditions can change rapidly and without much notice. Pioneer  Electric wants to ensure our members are informed in case a public appeal to conserve energy is made or if there is a heightened potential of rolling outages.

Southwest Power Pool Declares Conservative Operations until 1:00 P.M. on 2/20

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The Southwest Power Pool has declared a period of Conservative Operations through 1:00 p.m. on February 20.
We will update members on the grid’s status as the morning progresses.
What is Conservative Operations Alert?

Conservative Operations Alerts are declared when SPP determines there is a need to operate its system conservatively based on weather, environmental, operational, terrorist, cyber or other events.

With a Conservative Operations Alert, energy conservation may be called upon if the current generation supply can’t meet consumer demand.

Grid conditions can change rapidly in these situations. Stay up-to-date on these changes by following our page for more information.

Pioneer Electric Donates Funds for LHEAT Playground Project

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On February 11, Pioneer Electric  presented a $5,000 donation to the Grant County Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT). The funds will assist in constructing an inclusive playground at Barb Dye Park in Ulysses, Kansas.

Nancy Borthwick, Grant County’s representative for Southwest Kansas LHEAT’s West Region, stated that having an accessible recreational space will benefit the community.

“Play is an essential part of childhood development,” said Borthwick. “The playground will offer opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and community engagement.”

The space will offer a wheelchair accessible carousel and other adaptive friendly equipment and sensory friendly play zones.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with LHEAT on this playground project,” said Lindsay Campbell, Pioneer Electric CEO. “Powering our members outside in their communities and assisting in creating impactful spaces like this playground is just as important to us as powering their homes and businesses.”

LHEAT is a collaborative group dedicated to addressing boundaries to health and improving community wellbeing. To learn more about LHEAT and its initiatives contact Nancy Borthwick at 620-341-0679. LHEAT’s committee includes Nancy Borthwick, Clarissa Carrillo Martinez, Margaret Obholz, Abbay Sanchez, Ann Chavez, Jennifer Rodriguez, Ruby Romero, Carmen Orosco, Katherine Guaderrama, Joyce Briggs, Denise James, Grace Chavez, Lucy Watie, Lydia Glover, Luke Grimes, Marissa Correa and Troy Unruh.