SITKA, ALASKA
(video by Emily Bender, KCAW)
The city uses a traffic light symbol to tell residents what the power status is. It was switched from yellow to red today, meaning Sitkans are to stop using any unnecessary power.
The last time the light was on red, city officials were supplementing hydro power with a diesel generator, which burns about 900 gallons of fuel every hour. The city also has exhausted its budget for diesel power, which means a surcharge will appear on customers bills.
The city says residents can cut back on electric usage by switching from electric heat to a different source, turning down hot tubs, and cutting down on the use of major appliances, such as televisions.
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