HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced on Saturday that they are urging members of the public to conserve energy over the holiday weekend.
The announcement follows the announcement made by the power grid operator for the mid-Atlantic-region, PJM Interconnection.
PJM Interconnection issued an expanded cold weather alert and request for conservation in Pennsylvania, as well as in 12 other states and the District of Columbia.
Consumers are asked to reduce their use of electricity, if health permits, between 4 a.m. on Dec. 24 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 25.
PJM advises consumers to follow these tips:
- Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits
- Postpone the use of major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, and clothes dryers until other times
- Turn off non-essential electric lights, equipment and appliances
Consumers are also advised to take the following steps to enhance their comfort during this wave of cold weather with increasing electricity:
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, including garage doors
- Close doors to unused rooms and turn down heat in those spaces
- Ensure air vents aren’t blocked in spaces you are using, to help the flow of heat
- Close curtains, drapes, and blinds at night to keep the heat in
