Blackout gets to chill for a while
Staff writer
Below-freezing temperatures have prompted Evergy to reschedule a blackout planned for this week in Marion.
The utility has not set a new date.
“Evergy apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience and understanding,” an alert passed on by the city said. “Please pass the word along to your friends and neighbors.”
The blackout had been set to begin at 11 p.m. tonight and continue through 5 a.m. Thursday.
Evergy — not the city — made the decision, city administrator Mark Skiles said.
“Evergy is in complete control,” Skiles said Tuesday. “They have been very good to work with.”
Skiles decided to open city hall during the blackout for people who rely on electricity to power medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and lift chairs and beds.
Some residents complained on social media and in person about a blackout being scheduled during a cold spell.
The city is a wholesale customer of Evergy. The utility bills Marion, and Marion then bills its residents.
Evergy offers a program for customers who rely on equipment powered by electricity. The program gives such customers access to a special phone number for help with getting oxygen bottles and such.
A spokeswoman for the utility initially said Marion residents could access it. But when the Record noted that service in Marion actually comes through the city, the spokeswoman realized that Marion customers could not apply for it.