PECO customers set new record for natural gas usage

PHILADELPHIA » The frigid temperatures during the past few weeks caused customer demand for natural gas to soar to record-breaking levels. PECO set new company records in terms of natural gas delivery for several days between December 27 and January 7.

On January 6, customer demand for natural gas totaled 804,372 thousand cubic feet (Mcf), breaking 800,000 Mcf for the first time ever. On January 5, natural gas demand totaled 794,194 Mcf and on December 31 demand totaled 780,138 Mcf. All three days surpassed the previous all-time winter daily total of 767,421 Mcf set on February 19, 2015.

“We work throughout the year to ensure that our customers have the energy that they need, especially during extreme weather conditions,” said Ron Bradley, vice president of Gas Operations. “Our electric and natural gas systems continue to perform well and our ongoing investments in our system help maintain this reliable performance.”

Though PECO customers are currently paying among the lowest price for natural gas in 15 years, customers should still use energy as efficiently as possible to reduce the impact that extreme temperatures can have on monthly energy costs.

Customers can take simple steps to save energy and money this season:

• Set thermostats a few degrees lower, if health permits.

• Postpone the use of natural gas appliances such as clothes dryers.

• Check for drafts around windows and doors, and

seal up any openings with weather stripping or even a rolled-up blanket. A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm – especially on the coldest days of the season.

• 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.

• Keep heating vents clean with a vacuum or broom and do not cover ducts with drapes or furniture that can block the airflow and possibly cause a fire.

• Do not heat unused areas. Close vents in unused rooms and shut doors to unused rooms, closets and basements.

• To find even more ways to save energy and money, visit www.peco.com/SmartIdeas.

PECO urges customers stay safe. Never use an oven or other cooking device as a heat source for your home. It also is a good idea to check on elderly neighbors and relatives during the extreme cold.

Payment assistance programs are also available to help manage energy costs:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal program that provides assistance to individuals who are having trouble paying their electric, natural gas or other heating bills. The LIHEAP program provides cash and crisis assistance by a direct payment to a vendor, such as a utility like PECO. LIHEAP funds are currently available and customers are encouraged to apply early before funds run out.

• The Customer Assistance Program (CAP): A credit based on household income and energy use.

• Customers can visit www.peco.com/help for more information.

PECO customers who are not eligible for lowand fixed-income assistance but are having trouble managing their energy costs should also consider taking advantage of other programs including budget billing. Budget billing makes short-term fluctuations in monthly bills much easier to handle by dividing annual energy costs evenly throughout the year.

Customers experiencing any natural gas or electric issues should call the company immediately at 1-800841-4141.