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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">July 15, 2026</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Jason West <br />Communications & Outreach Supervisor <br />Utilities Department <br />City of Columbia <br />Jason.West@CoMo.gov <br />573.874.7639</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Energy Emergency Alert issued for Columbia and area</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (</span><strong>MISO</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">) has issued an </span><strong>Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, effective from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST, today, July 15, 2026. This means the central and north regions of MISO (including the Columbia area) are currently experiencing large system loads and reserves are tight.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Currently, all generation sources for the City of Columbia are up and running. While the electric grid remains stable for Columbia, our neighbors and other states within MISO, the grid is under strain. Please help by reducing unnecessary electric usage where you can, while concentrating on staying cool. Examples of activities that can help while keeping the grid stable:</span></p>
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<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Set the thermostat as high as possible while maintaining reasonable comfort levels. Using a fan to move air around will help you feel cooler. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leave shades down over south- and west-facing windows that receive direct sunlight during the day. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turn off any unneeded lights; unplug appliances and electronics that are not in use. Even when they’re off, they still generate a small amount of heat just by being plugged in.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that produce heat after 8 p.m.</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Businesses can also help by sending nonessential personnel home, reducing nonessential lighting and reducing large electric loads. Every little bit helps to keep the grid stable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reducing electricity use during this high-demand period will help reduce the demand on the system. Simple steps like delaying laundry or turning off decorative lights make a big difference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">City of Columbia Utilities will continue to monitor the situation and will ensure that our residents and businesses remain informed.</span></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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