Due to very low temperatures Wednesday morning, Coast Electric experienced a critical shortage of electricity. The shortage was over by 1:30 the same day.

According to a press release from Coast Electric, the company asked all of its customers to reduce their use of electric water heaters, ovens and other electrical appliances in their home.

April Lollar, Coast Electric’s Director of Communications, said many families in southern Mississippi usually set their home thermostat to 68 degrees and when the temperature stays between the 50’s and 60’s, the heat only cuts on from time to time.

But with the current temperatures going down into the 20’s, a home���s heating system works overtime in many houses, which caused a strain on the electrical system.

The release also stated that if the demand for power increases, the company executes its emergency load reduction plan, which can result in some customers losing their electric service temporarily.

At press time, Lollar said there had been no power outages in the area because everyone did a great job of lowering their electricity consumption. The company will continue monitoring the weather during the upcoming hours and days and will notify its customers of any changes through a press release and through its social media accounts.

Mississippi Power Spokesperson Jeff Shepard said the company’s power plants and power delivery systems did well during Wednesday and Thursday’s weather conditions meeting the needs of their customers.