TOPEKA, Kan. (KWCH) – At 16:40 today, Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of emergency over warnings for wind cold and voltage on electricity and natural gas suppliers.
The state has been experiencing bitter winter temperatures and freezing temperatures of less than zero for more than a week, stressing electricity and natural gas suppliers across the country. The statement authorizes the use of state resources and staff to assist with response and recovery operations in affected provinces that meet certain criteria.
“As extreme cold temperatures continue to affect the region, we call on Kansans to conserve energy to ensure a continued supply of natural gas and electricity and to maintain their own personal costs,” Governor Kelly said.
Due to the sub-zero temperatures causing an increased demand for energy and restrictions on natural gas supply, electricity services are currently experiencing wholesale prices of natural gas between 10 and 100 times higher than normal. These costs will eventually flow to consumers and increase the monthly bills for natural gas and electricity.
Customers can keep these costs lower by reducing their natural gas and electrical usage at this critical time.
Here are some things that every household can do to help the conservation effort and slow down the increase in energy bills due to the high usage.
- Keep warm, not hot. Wear extra layers of clothing, if possible, to turn off your thermostat and check your programmable settings.
- Seal leaks around doors and windows. Use weather syrup or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent air leaks and prevent energy loss. If this is not an option, you can also cover windows with towels, sheets or plastic to keep the warm air in your home.
- Lower the temperature on your water heater. Set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or place it on the “warm” environment. If your home will be empty for two days or longer, set the rotary knob to the pilot position for even more savings.
- Close blinds and curtains. It keeps the warm air inside, especially when the sun is not shining.
- Change or clear filters. A clean filter on your oven can reduce your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment.
- Stop performing tasks. If you wash laundry and dishes, you can use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. If you can, wait until the extreme cold weather is over to complete these activities. If you can not wait, use the cold environment where possible.
- Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets. Electrical switches can account for up to 10 percent of your home’s energy loss.
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