PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The City of Pierre has received word that it may be asked to help the Southwest Power Pool conserve energy during peak times.

Utilities Director Brad Palmer says Pierre gets its electricity from the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Missouri River Energy Services.

Palmer says if the power grid looks like it’s going to become unstable, the Southwest Power Pool will reach out to its customers.

Energy is produced on demand, at the immediate time of use. Palmer says that means electricity providers can’t predict if or when, exactly, there will be an energy shortage that leads to the need for short-term power outages.

Palmer says if there is a controlled outage in Pierre, it’s not expected to last more than two hours and it’s unlikely the entire town will be impacted at once. He says the best thing for customers to do is conserve energy and stay up-to-date on the potential for a controlled outage.

Pierre residents concerned about potential short-term outages, are encouraged to sign up to receive notices either via text or email. To register, go to public.alertsense.com.

Additional information about the potential energy shortage, as well as energy conservation tips can be found in Pierre’s July utility mailing and online at cityofpierre.org.