High power consumption prompts conservation request

BENTON, AR – Although rain is in the forecast for later this weekend, expected heat today is prompting a call for continued voluntary conservation. Dan Smith with Benton Utilities says the situation is better today than yesterday but the conservation request is an attempt to avoid problems that could arise as a result of high electricity demands.

Benton Utilities at the request of their power provider yesterday issued an Alert 3, calling for all Benton Utility customers to immediately begin conserving energy. Smith says high power demand in the heat is stressing the utility’s distribution infrastructure.