OUC Maintains Reliability Through Record Winter Peak Demand

February 2, 2026

Customers Helped Reduce Energy Use When It Mattered Most

ORLANDO, Fla. – Following Winter Storm Fern, an arctic blast brought record-breaking cold to the south, driving significant energy demand across Florida. OUC’s energy grid saw record usage in St. Cloud, setting a new winter peak this morning at 271 megawatts (MW), surpassing the one set just a day earlier. Orlando reached 1182 MW, coming close to its 2010 winter peak of 1191 MW.

“We are deeply grateful to our customers and community for stepping up during this period of high electricity demand,” said Linda Ferrone, OUC Chief Customer & Marketing Officer. “By working together to reduce energy use, residents and businesses played a vital role in supporting reliable service for the entire community.”

OUC crews and system operators monitored conditions around the clock, ensuring adequate power supply and system stability as temperatures fell and demand for electricity rose. Advance preparations and real-time coordination with regional grid partners helped maintain service with minimal interruptions.

OUC encourages customers to stay prepared for future weather events and save all year long by following energy saving tips at OUC.com.

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About OUC—The Reliable One
For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to a goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 while supporting the Central Florida community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.

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