MARION, S.D.(WNAX)- Managing power demands during a heat wave is critical for electric utilities.

Brad Schardin, Manager of Southeastern Electric based in Marion, says they have an active control program.

Schardin says they are working ahead to have the equipment they need on hand.

Schardin says while demand is high, winter is when they see their max loads.

Schardin says their summer peak load has been just over one hundred fifty megawatts while in winter they go over one hundred sixty megawatts.