FAQs: Hot Weather Options

During the summer months, interest increases in how the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) operates during hot weather. We developed this FAQ to help families, media partners, and our community better understand how the KoreEnergy Power Program functions. Sometimes, our facilities participate in scheduled energy-reduction events, which can raise questions or concerns. This simple guide provides clear, helpful information and reassures you that our institutions remain safe, secure, and fully operational during these times.

What is the KoreEnergy Power Program?

The KoreEnergy Power Program is a scheduled energy-reduction initiative implemented during periods of high demand on the regional energy grid. Participating facilities temporarily lower their energy usage to help reduce strain on the grid and support overall grid reliability.

Are prisons experiencing blackouts?

No. These events are not blackouts or power emergencies. Institutions reduce energy use in a controlled, planned manner. In some cases, facilities switch to generator power for a limited time to support the grid, but operations remain stable and secure.

Why do institutions sometimes switch to generator power?

Utilizing generators during scheduled reductions decreases the facility's dependence on the power grid, thereby reducing the risk of public outages and ensuring the continuity of essential security and medical services. By voluntarily participating in the KoreEnergy reduction initiatives, we proactively prepare for these events, avoiding the need to respond to unforeseen outages.

Does this impact safety inside the prison?

No. All critical systems, such as security and medical care, remain active and monitored. Facilities receive advance notice and prepare accordingly to ensure safe, uninterrupted operations.

Why do some facilities participate while others do not?

Not every facility is required or requested to participate in every energy-reduction event.
Participation depends on several factors, including:

• Whether the facility received a KoreEnergy reduction request
• Local grid conditions
• Facility readiness to safely switch to generator power (some sites do not participate due to generator or power-transition limitations)

Facilities that do not participate still operate normally and safely.

Are incarcerated individuals and staff provided heat-relief measures during extreme weather?

Yes. During periods of excessive heat, facilities take steps such as supplying additional ice and water, adding fans, adjusting recreation, and allowing certain clothing accommodations when safe. This is all independent of KoreEnergy events and is provided during heat emergencies.

Do these energy-reduction events affect communication with loved ones?

In most cases, no. Phone, email, and video services continue operating. If a facility needs to adjust schedules during a brief reduction period, it will notify families through standard communication channels.

Do the prisons have air conditioning?

Most of Ohio's prison living areas are not air-conditioned. The Ohio State Penitentiary, Franklin Medical Center, and Toledo Correctional Institution are fully air-conditioned. Infirmaries or certain specialized units at most institutions are also air-conditioned. During periods of extreme heat, facilities take additional steps to keep people safe, including providing extra ice and water, adding fans, opening doors or windows when safe, and allowing cooler clothing in many cases.

What precautions are taken for those on psychotropic medications?

Individuals taking psychotropic medications can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, which is why policy 67-MNH-07 includes specific precautions that apply to them along with the general population. Facilities take additional measures such as providing extra water and ice, increasing access to showers, using fans, monitoring exposure, and adjusting activity levels to keep conditions safe.

How do facilities check and monitor temperatures during hot weather?

During periods of high heat, staff regularly monitor temperatures throughout housing areas and enclosed spaces, especially locations where airflow can be limited. Institutions take steps such as adding fans, opening doors or windows when safe, adjusting recreation or work schedules, and ensuring people have access to extra water and ice when temperatures rise. These actions follow the hot-weather precautions outlined in policy 67-MNH-07.