LORMAN — Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association has ended its appeal to residents to conserve energy.

The power association said in a statement to members that it was experiencing a critical shortage of electricity early Wednesday morning.

Members were asked to turn off all non-essential lighting, appliances and electronics until further notice.

The association said the extremely low temperatures in the area caused a spike in usage that placed a strain on the association’s electrical system.

SWEPA is a member-owned rural electric cooperative serving more than 25,000 customers in nine counties in southwest Mississippi, including rural areas of Adams, Jefferson and Claiborne counties.

Members of the association are recommended to lower home thermostats to 68 degrees, reduce the use of water heaters, electric ovens, washing machines and dryers.

“If the situation does not improve, the next step will be to enact the electric cooperative’s emergency load reduction plans, which may result in a loss of electricity for members on a rotating basis,” the association said in a statement issued to its members.

The restrictions do not apply to members dependent upon life-supporting medical devices, the association said, but said plans should be made in case interruption of electric service becomes necessary.