Pressed for Power

Power outages. Normally unplanned, catching families off guard and putting uncharged phones in tizzys. In the year of near record breaking temperatures across the country, the electricity is beginning to fall short nationwide. With over 70% of the country in a blanket of snow, the power companies have been stretched thinner than a pair of Dollar Store gloves.

Locally, Evergy, along with electric companies that use their circuits are now having to schedule power outages in short blocks within neighborhoods across the Kansas City area. Metro residents are being told to conserve energy by keeping air conditioning between 65-68 degrees and running their faucets to a drip if power is lost. The outages are supposed to last 30-60 minutes, but some have lasted longer.

“My mom’s house lost power for almost an hour and a half. Our house got to almost 60 degrees and we were super bundled up.” Katie Kramer, Sophomore, said. 

Not only has Kansas City felt the effects, but neighborhoods in Texas cities, specifically the Dallas Fort Worth areas are having to do the same. They are even more unequipped, as Dallas has a much warmer climate in a regular year, and many residents are worried about their in-ground pools. 

With hopes of a country warm front this weekend, the countdown in on for the haters of the winter wind.