Public Again Urged to Conserve Electricity As Temps Fall

With frigid temperatures increasing the demand for electricity, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission again Monday joined operators of the region's electric grid in asking people to conserve electricity to protect the power supply.

Here's what you can do, the PUC says: 

—Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits

—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

—Turn off lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using

—Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.  This includes overhead doors on attached garages

—Seal off unused rooms. Close the floor or wall registers and return air vents, and keep the doors closed in those areas

—Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day. Close coverings at night to keep the heat in.

Consumers are specifically asked to take conservation steps between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., when demand is highest.

The PUC, in urging the public to conserve electricity, echoed a call by PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for more than 61 million people in 13 states (including Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia. PJM reached an all-time winter peak earlier this month.

Additional energy conservation tips are available on the PUC website.

Consumers should contact their electric utility if they experience an outage.

• Met-Ed/Penelec/Penn Power/West Penn Power:  1-888-LIGHTSS  (1-888-544-4877)
• PPL: 1-800-342-5775
• PECO: 1-800-841-4141
• UGI: 1-800-276-2722