Wake Forest, N.C. [Feb. 1, 2026] – Extreme cold is blanketing North Carolina, driving unusually high energy demand that could place strain on the electric grid. Energy demand is expected to peak Monday morning, and Wake Electric is asking all members to conserve energy by making adjustments to their home energy use from 4 – 10 a.m.

“We’d like to thank our members in advance for making plans to reduce their energy use tomorrow morning,” said Don Bowman, senior vice-president and assistant general manager. “The small steps you can take at home, like lowering your thermostat and delaying the use of appliances, have a big impact when multiplied across the thousands of members we serve.”

Wake Electric members can help protect the grid by taking the following actions:

• Lower the thermostat to a level that will not kick on auxiliary heat. Even lowering the temperature by a couple of degrees makes a difference.

• Delay the use of large appliances like dishwashers, washers and dryers.

• Turn off unnecessary lights, including outdoor lights and ambient lighting. 

• Wait to charge electric vehicles until the middle of the day when demand is lower. 

These actions will reduce demand for electricity and protect the grid. By taking these steps, members are helping mitigate the potential need for more extreme measures and supporting reliable electricity for everyone.

In addition to the actions members take at home, Wake Electric is working to mitigate potential risks by coordinating with energy partners. 

“We constantly monitor and coordinate actions and resources with our wholesale power provider, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation,” Bowman said. “They will utilize all available generation and other grid-connected resources, as well as partner with upstream provider Duke Energy to manage the impact of these extreme temperatures.”

Cooperative members are thanked for their support, and Wake Electric asks members to stay tuned to its social media channels for the most up-to-date information. 

# # #

Wake Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative providing reliable, safe, and affordable energy and related services to more than 58,500 members across Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance, and Wake counties. Founded in 1940, Wake Electric exists to serve its members and strengthen the communities it calls home through continued investment in reliability and innovation, energy education, youth and educator programs, community grants and scholarships, and advocacy on issues that impact our local membership. The cooperative is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors representing geographic districts throughout its service area, with directors elected at-large to rotating three-year terms at the cooperative’s annual meeting. Learn more at wemc.com.