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Chetopa, Kansas is facing ongoing power challenges due to multiple equipment failures, prompting city officials to urge residents to limit electricity use—particularly during peak heat hours. The call comes as technicians work to repair and upgrade critical infrastructure in the town’s power grid.
Request to Reduce Electricity Use During Peak Hours
Residents are being asked to conserve energy daily between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., the period when temperatures and electricity demand are at their highest. This move is necessary to reduce stress on the grid as crews address recent technical failures.
Power Grid Setbacks and Equipment Failures
Chetopa is currently operating with only two of its four power reclosures due to a series of breakdowns. The first issue surfaced in late April when Liberty Energy attempted to re-energize the grid, resulting in a critical control panel failure. The panel required replacement, with a new unit expected to take at least four weeks for delivery.
Further complications occurred in early June, when an additional panel failed during a power outage. In response, the city reached out to the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) for support. Fortunately, one partner city provided a reclosure and control panel free of charge, which was received by Chetopa this past Wednesday.
Ongoing Repairs and New Challenges
Though one replacement panel is ready and another is en route, the most recent power outage on Sunday caused additional grid damage, adding to the complexity of the repair work. City crews are doing their best to restore full functionality and upgrade the substation, but delays are inevitable due to the extent of the damage.
Community Cooperation and Communication
City leaders are urging all residents to curb electricity use, especially during the hottest part of the day, to help maintain system stability. Officials also encourage neighbors to share information with those who may not be active on Facebook or social media, ensuring that all community members stay informed.
Chetopa is working diligently to repair and modernize its power infrastructure after a series of equipment failures impacted grid performance.
While progress is being made, officials stress the importance of energy conservation during peak hours to avoid additional outages. Community support and communication will be key to navigating this challenge.
