Temperature to Plummet in Tallahassee

Residents Encouraged to Stay Warm, Safe and Energy Wise

Bundle up, Tallahassee! Already low temperatures are set to dip deeper into freezing in North Florida this weekend. According to the National Weather Service, “a powerful Arctic front is set to blast through our region starting Saturday morning. This is expected to be the coldest air we’ve seen in years.” Strong winds are also in the forecast, which could push the feels-like temperature even lower.

Prolonged cold, like is currently being experienced, increases the amount of energy necessary to heat homes and businesses. The City recorded its all-time peak electric load of 633 megawatts (MW) on Monday, January 11, 2010, during a stretch of winter weather when temperatures dropped to 14 degrees. This week has seen peak loads as high as 560 MW. The extended cold weather is being driven by Winter Storm Fern, which has pushed Arctic air south across much of the United States, bringing widespread winter impacts.

Stay warm. Stay Safe. Stay energy wise.
Customers are encouraged to be mindful of energy use during peak hours, which is generally in the early morning during winter, while taking steps to stay warm and safe during this period of sustained cold weather. Below are proactive steps customers can take to manage utility consumption, which can help reduce the system’s load and, more importantly, reduce the shock of a higher-than-expected bill.

• Set your home heating thermostat carefully and accurately. The recommended daytime indoor temperature in winter is 68 degrees. Set it slightly lower at night.
• Set your thermostat's FAN selection to AUTO, not to ON. The ON setting operates your indoor-air distribution fan nonstop, which increases costs.
• If you have a heat pump, be sure your thermostat is not accidentally set to EM HEAT or EMERGENCY HEAT. Operating costs can triple in the Emergency Heat mode.
• Should you use a supplemental heating unit, reduce your risk of a home fire by keeping combustible materials, like curtains and blankets, at least three feet away and never leave the unit unattended.

Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) are typically the largest energy draws for a home and can account for roughly half of the annual energy consumption. The City offers a variety of grants, loans and rebates to help customers enhance energy conservation and efficiency and lower utility bills. For more information or to schedule a free energy audit, City Utility customers may contact customer service at 850-891-4968 or visit Talgov.com/YOU.

Get tips to help protect people, pets, pipes and plants during freezing temperatures at Talgov.com/ColdWeather.