Cedar Valley Utility Companies: Please Reduce Energy Consumption

It's cold. Duh, right? It's cold in Northeast Iowa, it's cold in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Oklahoma too. Difference is, we're more or less use to it come February. That said, because it's been so cold here for so long, consumption of natural gas is much higher than even normal. As a result, many Iowa utility companies, including the Cedar Falls Utility Company (CFU), Aliant Energy and Mid American Energy are all encouraging customers to go easy, when possible, on usage.

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Power saving tips from Aliant Energy include:

• Turn down the thermostat at night and when you’re not at home
• Open window shades during the day, which will let the sun come in. Then, close the shades at night
• Seal windows and try to block drafts around doorways to limit cold air entering your home
• Don't run a fan at night when you're sleeping
• Keep garage doors closed when not entering/exiting
• Limit opening doors that lead in/out of the home
• Make sure air vents and radiators are not obstructed
• Keep the intake and exhaust clear of ice and snow when possible
• NEVER your oven or a grill to heat your home

The CFU adds more tips including:

• Turn your thermostat down at least five degrees from your normal setting
• Try to avoid running a gas fireplace, or other appliances such as garage or unneeded space heaters
• Check window latches, secure all doors and turn off ventilation fans after use
• Look for other opportunities within your home to lessen the use of natural gas during this short period

Here's some good news: by Friday, we'll be back into the mid/upper teens. That will feel downright tropical. Just ignore that part about it normally being in the 30's...