Energy providers across the Rio Grande Valley are trying to cut down on energy during this week’s winter blast.

Officials are conducting rolling blackouts on Wednesday as a measure to prevent circuits from being overloaded.

State officials said it is necessary to cut off the power for various customers during a half hour time period, in order to maintain power for the entire area.

Brownsville PUB said state officials lifted the rolling blackouts around 1 p.m. Wednesday.

But PUB is recommending customers avoid unnecessary use of electronics or applicances which produce heat, such as washing machines and ovens.

Checking in on the elderly, ill, and children is also suggested with temperatures expected to fall below the freezing mark.

Residents are asked to report power outages to their power providers.

AEP Texas customers can report outages at (866) 223-8508 or by logging onto www.aeptexas.com.