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With prolonged cold temperatures affecting the region and energy demand expected to rise, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are encouraging customers to conserve energy.
LG&E and KU Vice President of Consumer Services Shannon Montgomery said in a written statement that as heating systems are working overtime to keep up with the cold and customers are hunkering down at home, they are seeing a rise in customers’ overall energy demand. He says they are encouraging customers to take steps to conserve energy, which can directly impact bills and help lessen potential strain on the regional electric grid.
Customers are asked to consider taking the following conservation actions:
Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances.
Adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
Reduce reliance on other heating sources.
Wear extra layers such as a sweatshirt or sweater.
Add extra blankets to the bed.
Close the fireplace damper and doors when not in use unless you have a gas fireplace.
Use draft stoppers for windows and doors.
Run your dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines only when full.
Open curtains, drapes and/or blinds in the daytime to let the sun’s heat in your home and close them at night to retain the heat.
Furniture or drapes should not block air registers.
Use a microwave oven, a slow cooker, or prepare cold meals. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time.
LG&E and KU say they will also coordinate with customers enrolled in their voluntary energy efficiency programs, such as Demand Conservation and Bring Your Own Thermostat, to help lower energy use during peak times. These initiatives encourage customers to reduce demand and, in return, participants receive financial incentives.
