OUC Urges Central Florida Residents to Prepare for Freezing Temperatures

Utility remains ready to respond while encouraging customers to conserve energy

Cold weather is expected to continue across Central Florida, with freezing temperatures forecast to arrive this weekend. OUC – The Reliable One is prepared to respond to any service impacts and is encouraging customers to take steps now to stay safe, warm, and energy-efficient during this unusually prolonged cold stretch.

With historic low temperatures nationwide, OUC customers can make small adjustments to keep homes comfortable and safe, while managing energy demand.

Safety Tips for Cold Weather

OUC reminds customers to follow these important safety guidelines:

• Keep space heaters away from carpets, walls, and furniture.
• Plug space heaters and electric blankets directly into wall outlets; never use extension cords or power strips.
• Turn off and unplug heaters and blankets when not in use and before sleeping.
• Never tuck in electric blankets – trapped heat and poor ventilation can cause overheating and become a fire hazard.
• Don’t use stoves, ovens, or grills to heat your home, as this poses serious fire and carbon monoxide risks.
• When using a fireplace, ensure the flue is open, use a safety screen, and never leave fires or embers unattended.
• Cover exposed water pipes and outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
• If you live in a house, allow a slow trickle of water to run through exposed pipes or faucets on exterior walls.
• Keep pool pumps running to prevent supply lines from freezing.
• Insulate pipes connected to solar water heating systems.

Energy Conservation Tips

Customers can reduce energy use and costs by following these simple steps:

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees or lower and keep the fan setting on “auto.” Lower the temperature to 65 degrees at bedtime or while you’re away.
• Dress warmly by layering clothing instead of increasing heat.
• Close blinds or drapes at night to keep cold air out; open them during the day to let sunlight warm your home.
• Keep garage doors closed to help maintain indoor temperatures.

For additional cold weather preparedness tips, customers can visit OUC’s Cold Weather Guide.