Governor Jim Douglas asked Vermonters to lower their electricity use on Thursday night because of a shortage of power in southern New England. Officials said the possibility of rolling blackouts in the region prompted the emergency request to conserve electricty.
Days of record cold temperatures have driven up electricity demand. Vermont utilities have also asked Vermonters to reduce their electricity use. They’ve asked costumers to turn off all unnecessary lights and equipment and to not use appliances such as clothes dryers during the morning or evening when demand is highest.