UGI Utilities has issued recommendations for customers to conserve energy and manage utility costs during an anticipated extended period of extremely cold temperatures. The utility company suggests several practical strategies to reduce energy consumption while ensuring household comfort and safety. Customers are advised to implement energy-saving measures, including adjusting thermostat settings, strategically timing large appliance usage, and minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure. Specific recommendations include setting thermostats two to three degrees lower than current settings, delaying large appliance use during peak hours, and avoiding natural gas fireplace operation.
Additional energy conservation techniques focus on home efficiency and personal comfort. These include sealing drafty areas around windows and doors, utilizing natural sunlight by opening curtains during daylight hours, and maintaining personal warmth through layered clothing and blanket use. UGI Utilities emphasizes the importance of preparedness during extreme weather conditions. The company's crews stand ready to respond to potential service interruptions, with guidance for customers to prioritize safety in all circumstances.
Critical safety recommendations include maintaining distance from downed electrical wires and immediately evacuating if a natural gas odor is detected. The utility stresses the importance of moving a significant distance away from potential gas leak areas before contacting emergency services. By implementing these energy conservation strategies, customers can potentially reduce utility costs, support grid stability, and maintain personal comfort during challenging winter weather conditions. The announcement matters because it provides actionable guidance that helps customers manage rising energy costs during extreme weather events while contributing to broader grid reliability. The implications extend beyond individual households to community-wide energy resilience, as coordinated conservation efforts can prevent system overloads and ensure continued service availability for all customers during periods of peak demand.
