Electric companies urge conservation due to temperatures | News, Sports, Jobs

PARKERSBURG — Electric companies in Ohio and West Virginia this weekend encouraged customers to conserve electricity because of the frigid temperatures.

With PJM Interconnection, managers of the power grid, First Energy, which operates Monongahela Power and the Appalachian Power Co., asked customers to conserve electrical usage through 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.

“Demand for electricity is expected to increase through the day as the cold temperatures continue and families gather to celebrate the holiday,” the company said in a press release. “PJM will continue to monitor conditions and will take additional actions if necessary, which may include the potential for short, rotating customer outages. Taking action to conserve energy now can help offset the need for additional actions later.”

Not counting wind chills, temperatures were in the single digits, but are expected to rise as the week goes on, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures may be in the high 50s by Friday and the weekend.

To conserve, FirstEnergy and Appalachian Power recommended:

∫ If health permits, set thermostats at a lower temperature than usual.

∫ Turn off non-essential appliances, equipment and electric lights — including holiday lights — that you do not need or are not using.

∫ Postpone using major electric household appliances, such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers.

∫ Close curtains and blinds to retain warm air inside homes.

“Appalachian Power worked with PJM and other utilities to minimize any impact on customers,” Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer, said.

“We understand that cutting back on electricity use can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, especially during the holidays,” he said. “This is a necessary step to prevent broader power interruptions, and we appreciate our customers’ efforts.”

Hope Gas on Christmas Eve also issued a release that said crews were busy on service calls because of the extreme weather and were working around the clock. Customers with service disruption should contact Hope Gas at 800-934-3187, but 911 if there is immediate danger.

“We are experiencing high call volume and additional representatives have reported to work to support our customer needs,” the gas company said. “Calls will continue to be answered 24 hours (a) day.”

Electric utilities also dealt with power outages.

Washington Electric Cooperative reported five outages Christmas Day in the Ohio 7, Ohio 32 and U.S. 50 areas.

Mon Power reported six outages in Doddridge County, 19 in Wetzel and less than five in Wirt.

FirstEnergy serves customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Appalachian Power, part of American Electric Power, has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.