With temperatures at or below freezing,Greer residents are cranking up the heat and setting near electric usage records.
Tuesday Jan.2,2018 between7 a.m. and 8a.m. the total system demand was 75,962 megawatt-hours, nearly beating the peak of 76,590 megawatt-hours set on Jan.7,2014 during a previous cold winter freeze.
Tips to conserve energy
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
- Keep thermostat at comfortable temperature and avoid turning thermostat completely off to avoid pulling more energy
- Wear warm clothing inside your home instead of cranking up the heat
- Open curtains or blinds during the day to allow sunlight in
- After baking in the oven and after turning the oven off,crack the door to allow the warmth to heat your home
- If the power goes out,turn off appliances so there is not a surge on the electric system when the power comes back on
Tips to stay safe in the cold
- Dress in layers and avoid spending time outdoors
- Protect your exterior and interior plumbing by wrapping them with materials found at hardware or building supply stores
- Keep cabinet doors to sinks and pipes open to allow heat to reach the pipes
- Leave a slow drip from faucets in unheated areas to prevent pipes from freezing
- If your pipes do freeze, try thawing them with a hair dryer before calling a plumber
- Have an alternate heat source like a propane heater or generator in case the power goes out
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items
Tips for paying your utility bill
- Greer CPW works with Greer Relief to match donations up to $25,000 under the Caring People Working Together program. If you qualify, you could receive assistance paying your utility bill through Greer Relief, 202 Victoria St., Greer. Phone 864-848-5356.