KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Utility companies in Kansas and Missouri are asking customers to conserve energy as freezing temperatures continue to impact the Midwest.
Evergy, Atmos and Spire offered all the tips to reduce energy, including:
- Lower the thermostat to at least 68 degrees.
- Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
- Unplug electronic devices and turn off unused lights.
- Do not use an oven or gas hob to heat a house.
- Allow the taps to flow to prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Limit the use of natural gas fireplaces.
- Install insulating curtains / umbrellas or use weatherproof sealing tape.
Spire Missouri President Scott Carter said in a press release that the company’s teams are “working hard” to ensure customers are safe and warm.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and, although our systems remain strong, we want to work together as a community by taking temporary steps to ensure that they remain so,” Carter said.
In addition, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an emergency disaster. It announced a state of emergency on Sunday, which “authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist in response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria,” according to a press release.
Wholesale gas costs are up to 100 times higher than normal due to the weather, the statement said, and these costs “will eventually revert to customers”.
Evergy began preparing for frozen temperatures last week by “planning additional fuel requirements and raising staffing levels 24/7,” which put the company in a position to handle current demand, according to a press release.
For more information or tips on weather safety, visit the Atmos website.