NPR

Deep Freeze Puts Strain On Midwest Gas And Electricity Grids

Millions of residents are being asked to turn their thermostats down to ensure there's enough gas for everyone. GM and Ford have suspended some operations in Michigan to help conserve energy.
A man pushes a stroller with groceries as flurries swirl around on Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Monday. Millions of Michigan residents have been asked to turn their thermostats down to conserve energy during the Polar Vortex.

The deep freeze is putting gas and power grids to the test.

In the midst of some of the lowest temperatures in years, utility companies in parts of the Upper Midwest have asked customers to turn down their thermostats to ensure that there's enough natural gas to go around.

Ahead of the plunge, grid operators throughout the Midwest had said they

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