During February 2021, every state in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) had historic, extreme cold weather that increased the demand for electricity and impeded the ability to generate it. Controlled service interruptions had to be implemented across the SPP for the first time in its 80-year history, and the cost to purchase power increased exponentially.

While it was hard to imagine the magnitude of the cold weather event just a few weeks ago, Prairie Land is facing unprecedented costs associated with the extreme cold weather from February.  Prairie Land is not alone; many electric and gas utilities across the Mid-West incurred unprecedented cost increases.

"We know that news reports about astronomical electric bills have our members fearing how much the energy emergencies in February will increase their bills," said Kirk Girard, CEO. "But Prairie Land is committed to doing whatever it needs to find an equitable and manageable solution for our members." Girard also pointed out the extraordinary, voluntary efforts that Prairie Land members made to conserve energy. These efforts helped minimize the number and lengths of the SPP's energy emergency alerts and service interruption orders. "This truly made a big difference, and we can't thank our members enough for the sacrifices they were willing to make to preserve the integrity of the grid."