February 23, 2015

PECO customers set record for natural gas usage

Utility suggests steps to reduce monthly energy costs

By Christina LoBrutto
PhillyVoice Contributor

PECOConnect/YouTube

PECO suggests taking several actions to reduce the extreme temperatures' impact on monthly energy costs.

Last week’s dangerously cold temperatures caused customer demand for natural gas to climb to record-breaking levels.

Natural gas demand totaled 777,456 thousand cubic feet on Feb. 15 and 766,365 on Feb. 19. These totals surpassed the previous all-time winter daily total of 759,660, which was set during the Polar Vortex on Jan. 7, 2014.

“Our customers depend on us to provide the energy they need, when they need it most, especially during times of extreme conditions,” said Craig Adams, PECO president and CEO. “Our electric and natural gas systems continue to perform well and our ongoing investments in our system help maintain this reliable performance.”

PECO suggests taking several actions to reduce the extreme temperatures' impact on monthly energy costs.

For instance:

Take advantage of natural sunlight. Open curtains and drapes during the day to let the sun warm your home and close them at night for insulation.
Keep the fireplace damper closed tightly when not in use.
Use ceiling fans so the warm air that has risen can be redistributed around the room.