Attention EMU Customers:
Cold weather across the United States has spiked natural gas use to near all-time highs! The cold weather has caused supply shortages from wells freezing in the south and high demand across the entire United States. Please be aware that the cold weather and low natural gas production has caused significant price increases for natural gas providers and customers.
EMU is asking customers to conserve energy by voluntarily reducing their usage during this extreme weather and increased demand. Here are tips to help conserve energy, save money, and keep you safe:
- Lower your thermostat: Set your thermostat to 68 degrees, and reduce the temperature by 2-3 degrees while you’re sleeping or away. Try adding a layer of clothing or an extra blanket if you are cold. If you heat extra spaces like your garage, reduce the temperature by even more. If you are worried about pipes freezing, let faucets drip and open kitchen cabinets on exterior walls to keep pipes warm.
- Windows: If you have curtains, keep them closed at night to help stop cold air leaks. Open curtains when it’s sunny to help warm your home. If you feel cold air drafting in through windows or doors, consider adding weather stripping.
- Reduce hot water usage: Use efficient faucets and shower heads and take short showers instead of baths. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees or put it on the “warm” setting.
- Hold off on chores: Doing laundry and washing dishes requires energy to heat the water and power your dryer. Save energy by limiting loads, use only cold water, and air-dry clothes. If possible, wait until the extreme cold weather passes to complete these activities.
- Limit use of ventilating fans: Kitchen, bathroom, and other ventilating fans can quickly exhaust a house full of warm air.
- Check your furnace filter: Make sure it’s clean and properly installed facing the correct direction. If the filter is dirty, replace it according to the furnace manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Check your vents: Make sure your furnace vent, gas fireplace vent and tankless/conventional water heater vents are free from any obstructions or debris. If your home furnace has outdoor plastic intake and exhaust vent pipes, clear any snow and ice to ensure they’re not blocked.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector: A working carbon monoxide detector is just as important as a smoke alarm. Test both regularly. Carbon monoxide is odorless. CO poisoning can cause flu-like symptoms – even death. If you suspect CO poisoning, dial 911, seek fresh air and remain outside or elsewhere until help arrives.
Kimberly Kibbie
City Administrator/Utility Superintendent
