Power Watch
MPW may issue Energy Emergency Advisory Levels when extreme temperatures, high electricity use, or other conditions put stress on the electric grid. These alerts help keep customers informed and identify actions that can help maintain reliable service.
These advisory levels are based on national reliability standards established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). By working together during periods of high energy use, our community can help reduce the risk of outages and keep power flowing to homes, businesses, and critical services throughout Muscatine.
When advisory levels change, MPW will use the corresponding Green, Yellow, Orange, or Red advisory graphic on social media to quickly alert the community to changing grid conditions and communicate any conservation actions that may be needed.
Understanding Energy Emergency Advisory Levels
Green – Normal Operations
Electric supply is meeting community needs, and no action is required.
What the community should do:
• Use electricity as needed.
• Practice everyday energy efficiency when possible.
Yellow – Power Watch (Voluntary Conservation)
Conditions could lead to electricity use exceeding available supply. Voluntary conservation can help reduce strain on the grid and prevent more serious emergency conditions.
What the community should do:
• Raise thermostats a few degrees if safe and comfortable.
• Delay laundry, dishwashing, and other energy-intensive tasks.
• Limit use of large appliances during peak hours.
• Stay alert for possible changes in advisory status.
Orange – Power Warning (Mandatory Conservation)
Electricity use has reached or exceeded available supply. Immediate conservation is needed to help avoid service disruptions.
What the community should do:
• Reduce electricity use to essential needs only
• Turn off nonessential lights and equipment.
• Avoid using large appliances whenever possible.
• Adjust thermostats higher and limit cooling to essential areas.
Red – Energy Emergency
Electric supply is critically limited, and rolling outages may become necessary to protect the grid from widespread outages.
What the community should do:
• Use electricity only for essential purposes.
• Turn off all nonessential equipment and appliances.
• Follow all conservation requests immediately.
• Be prepared for possible temporary service interruptions.