Record Energy Use During Polar Vortex Storm

Fairhope, Alabama 

 

Volanta Avenue substation.

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS 

City utility managers reported record usage of natural gas and electricity (44 megawatts) during the recent snowstorm, with no major problems reported.

Ben Patterson credited $8+ million system upgrades in recent years (including one new electric substation on Morphy Avenue and enlarged ones on Young Street and Volanta Avenue), which are ongoing with upcoming  transmission line replacements along Greeno Road. There are currently over 6,500 electric customers.

Gas superintendent Wes  Boyette mentioned ongoing cast-iron pipe replacement (with more durable plastic and steel) and enlarged piping being installed throughout the system, which has over 500 miles of pipe servicing 12K customers from Spanish Fort to Barnwell.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Expect big utility bills coming too!
Anonymous said…
I think that the power constantly blinking on and off for hours on Scenic 98 is, in fact, a major problem when temperatures are well below freezing and HVAC systems cannot cycle up in time between intervals to heat a house.
Anonymous said…
Riviera serves scenic 98 not fairhope. electric.
Anonymous said…
Fairhope is just in city limits. Riviera, Baldwin EMC provide electric out side.
Anonymous said…
Northern states deal with extended harsh weather for most part w/o issue. Baldwin has had cold before w/changed this year? Understand snow but cold weather is reason for energy use. Have never anyplace heard conserve natural gas before.
Anonymous said…
I haven’t talked with anyone in Fairhope that has issues. The only problems I’ve heard are people that live outside the city limits.
Anonymous said…
https://gulfcoastmedia.com/stories/baldwin-utility-companies-urging-energy-conservation-as-snow-usage-burden-systems,248600#//