COLUMBUS, Ohio – Central Ohio’s leading energy providers and the state’s utility regulatory agency are asking customers to conserve energy during this cold snap.
Demand is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, when overnight temperatures across most of the state are expected to drop below zero, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairman Todd Snitchler said.
“Using energy efficiently will help ensure that adequate supplies of electricity and natural gas are available to all consumers when they will need power and heat most,” Snitchler said.
Columbus Gas and American Electric Power are recommending the following measures to control demand:
Set thermostats as low as appropriate to maintain health and comfort. Recommended: about 68 degrees.
Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases.
Limit use of natural gas appliances during early morning hours.
Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.
Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, including overhead doors on attached garages.
Seal off unheated, unused rooms.
Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close them at night to keep the heat in.
Cover hot water pipes with an insulating jacket and set the water heater to 120-130 degrees
Snitchler says Ohio’s utilities have completed inspections and assessments of key substations, points of delivery and other equipment and are ready for the extreme cold weather