Bryan Texas Utilities Ready for Cold Weather, Energy Conservation Encouraged

Bryan Texas Utilities has prepared its facilities for the freezing temperatures forecast for the Brazos Valley over the next few days.

While Bryan Texas Utilities is prepared to respond to high energy demand, with the colder than normal temperatures there is always the risk of an unexpected energy shortage in the Electric Reliability Council (ERCOT) transmission grid that covers most of Texas. ERCOT has issued an advisory for the region, particularly for Thursday morning when customer demands on the electric system should peak. To help support the high electric demands that are expected in the ERCOT region over the next few days BTU customers are encouraged to conserve energy when possible — especially during the early morning hours when people are waking up for school and work.

Below are some measures that can be taken to save energy during the winter chill.

Thermostat – Set your central system thermostat at 68 degrees or lower. Thermostats for heat pumps are best left steady at 68 or lower, but should not be adjusted by more than two degrees at any single adjustment to avoid engaging the auxiliary resistance heat strips.

Blinds/shades – Open blinds/shades on any windows hit by direct sunlight to help heat your home or apartment. Close them at sundown to help keep heat inside.

Fireplace – When not in use, make sure your fireplace damper is closed to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.

Ceiling fans – Switch the setting on ceiling fans to run counter-clockwise to help push warm air back down. Turn fans off when not in the room.

Furniture placement – Try lounging near interior walls if possible. Exterior walls and older windows may be drafty.

Weather strip – Caulk and weather strip around windows and entry doors to prevent drafts. Or, place towels at the bottom of doors and on window seals to help reduce heat loss and prevent cold air from coming in.

Please remember to care for people, pets and pipes during this winter weather event.

For more information and energy tips, click here.