Liberty Storm Updates

Winter Storm Warning - Feb. 17, 2025

Customers encouraged to prepare for approaching winter storm and freezing temperatures

Several days of subfreezing temperatures and winter weather are expected in communities throughout Liberty’s electric and water service areas. The storm system is expected to impact the Midwest beginning Tuesday, bringing extreme weather conditions that could lead to potential power outages and longer restoration times due to poor road conditions, heavy snow, and/or the nature of required repairs.

The extreme cold over several days could also lead to peak energy demand and cause customers’ water pipes to freeze and break. Our crews at Liberty are ready to respond. We prepare in advance by regularly inspecting and maintaining our system. We staff our power generation plants 24/7 and have extra crews on alert throughout our service area should we need to call in reinforcements. It is important for you to prepare as well.

Prepare in advance

If a family member is medically dependent upon electricity or is elderly, make sure to have arrangements in place to maintain their health and safety if the power goes out.
Always have on hand an emergency kit with first-aid supplies and essential medications, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, canned food and a can opener, and bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day). Learn more
Make sure cell phones and necessary electronics are fully charged. Consider purchasing a back-up battery device to extend the use of your electronic devices.
Gather blankets and warm clothing, as well as alternate light sources.
Remember to bring family pets indoors or provide protective shelter during extreme weather.
In the event of a power outage, report your outage through your Liberty My Account (online or mobile app) or by calling 1-800-206-2300.
For your safety, stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and report them by calling 1-800-206-2300. Assume all downed lines are energized.
Learn how Liberty restores power and why it may take time for your power to return. Watch this video
You can view outage information and estimated restoration times (ERTs) on our outage map or through your Liberty My Account. Please note: ERTs may not be available right away or may be subject to change depending on the scope of the outages and as crews make their assessments. Learn more

Conserve energy to save

Extreme cold can lead to increased energy demand. Below are some tips to help you manage your energy use and lower your energy bill:

During the winter, set the thermostat to 68°F when home (or as low as comfortable), and then back to 55-68°F when unoccupied.
During the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun. Close the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets.
Set your natural gas water heater to 120°F.
Caulk drafty windows and caulk and weatherstrip doors.
Check your furnace filter and replace it if it’s dirty. A dirty filter means your system must work harder to heat your home.
For your safety, don’t supplement a heating system lost during an outage by using household items such as cooking stoves or ovens. Find carbon monoxide safety tips.

Liberty water customers

Know where your main water valve is located and how to shut it off.
Disconnect all garden hoses and drain any water remaining in outdoor faucets.
Check unheated areas where water lines are located and ensure they are insulated. Heat tape can be used on pipes in these areas for quick and affordable insulation.
Keep your home temperature set no lower than 55°F. Open cabinet doors where pipes are located to let warmer room temperatures flow in.
When temperatures are below freezing, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed or poorly insulated pipes. Even running water through pipes at a trickle can help prevent them from freezing.
If a pipe freezes, shut off the water immediately, but keep the faucet open. Call a professional plumber who may be able to thaw the pipes with warm air using a space heater, etc.
Check all other faucets; if one pipe freezes, others may as well. Slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks.
If you experience or see a water leak, please call Liberty at 1-800-206-2300 to report it.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Learn More

Peak Advisory FAQs

What is a peak advisory?

Extreme heat or cold often leads to high energy demand. When a peak advisory is issued, it means we are asking you to voluntarily reduce electricity use throughout the day – particularly during times of high energy demand. Conserving energy supports service reliability by helping Liberty to avoid outages and reduces costs for customers, as fuel costs for energy generation may rise during peak energy demand.

What is the Southwest Power Pool?

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) – of which Liberty is a member – manages the electric grid and wholesale power market for much of the central U.S. on behalf of a diverse group of utilities and transmission companies in 14 states. It has a service territory covering more than 552,000 square miles.

What are the SPP’s Energy Emergency Alert levels?

The Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) levels are issued by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) based on grid conditions.

EEA Level 1: Declared when all available energy generation resources have been committed to meet the current demand, and SPP is at risk of not meeting required operating reserves. Customers are not called to voluntarily conserve energy but should be aware of the possibility.

EEA Level 2: Customers are asked to voluntarily reduce energy use during this time. This will allow us to avoid controlled service interruptions and continue to provide reliable service to families, critical facilities, and businesses across our service area.

EEA Level 3: The SPP has directed its utilities to begin controlled service interruptions to protect the regional grid and limit the length and severity of outages. Service interruptions are needed to balance energy demand throughout the region with available generation and prevent uncontrolled outages.

Learn More

What can I do to conserve energy?

Suggestions for conserving energy include:
- Set the thermostat to 68°F when home (or as low as comfortable), and then back to 55-68°F when unoccupied.
- Open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun. Close the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets.
- Set your water heater to 120°F.
- Turn off nonessential lights.
- Postpone all nonessential energy use such as cooking, using your washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher.
- Don’t supplement a heating system lost during an outage by using household items such as cooking stoves or ovens.?
- Avoid the use of electric space heaters when possible. If you must use one, follow safety instructions.
- If candles and portable heaters are used, never leave them unattended.
- Gather in a central room where there is an alternative heat source such as a fireplace.
- Make sure each family member has a warm coat, gloves, and hat. Dress in loose layers of clothing.

How can I prepare for a potential outage?

Here are a few helpful tips:
- Keep your cell phone charged and within reach.
- Establish a group to check on each other during an emergency.
- Keep a list of your personal medical conditions and necessary treatments.
- Make sure your home has a working, battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.
- Have a battery-powered radio on hand for information on the outage and advice from authorities.
Click here for more extreme weather preparation and safety tips.

Storm Preparation

Return to the Liberty home page. Click Here

Storm Update