KISSIMMEE, Fla., January 5, 2018 – Energy consumption in Osceola County spiked significantly this week, thanks to several consecutive days of freezing temperatures that had heaters working overtime.
The Kissimmee Utility Authority reported today that its customers used 318 megawatts (MW) of electricity on Thursday, nearly 16 percent more electricity than they used on Wednesday and about 40 percent more than Monday. Overall, energy demand this week is up 27 percent compared to the same time period in 2017.
This week’s increased demand, however, fell short of the utility’s all-time winter peak of 334.8 MW, set in January 2010
During cold weather, KUA offers these tips for warmth and energy conservation:
- Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. KUA recommends setting the temperature at 68 degrees. Each degree you raise your thermostat above 68 degrees will cost you as much as eight percent more.
- Instead of turning the heat up, put on a cozy winter sweater and warm socks. Keep throw blankets on your couch, and add an area rug to insulate the floor.
- Open the curtains on your south-facing windows during winter days to bring free heat into your home from the sun. Close your window coverings when the sun goes down to keep the heat inside.
- Use ceiling fans to distribute heat around the room. Reverse the direction of the fan blades from that used for summer cooling.
- Use exhaust fans sparingly in the winter. Heat and moisture from bathing and cooking contribute heat to your home.
- Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which uses more energy.
Founded in 1901, KUA (http://kua.com) is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 74,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.