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Published 2 days ago
Preparing for Extreme Cold Weather

Cold weather isn’t something we deal with often in Central Florida, which is exactly why it can catch people off guard. With unusually cold temperatures expected through early next week, Lakeland Electric is encouraging customers to take a few simple steps to stay comfortable, stay safe and better manage energy use.

Cold snaps may be short, but they can still affect how much energy your home uses. A little preparation now can help you avoid surprise bills and focus on staying warm.

Two cold mornings that matter
The coldest temperatures are expected during two overnight periods:
  • Saturday night into Sunday morning
  • Sunday night into Monday morning
These are the times when heating systems typically work the hardest. Even small adjustments during these colder hours can make a noticeable difference for individual households.

 

Your cold-weather checklist to lower your bill

Before temperatures drop, a few simple steps can help you stay comfortable and avoid surprises:
  • Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower
  • Warm the room you’re using by safely using a space heater, electric blanket or fireplace, which can allow you to keep your whole-house heat set lower
  • Open blinds or curtains during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your home, then close them at night to help keep cold air out
  • Place a towel or draft stopper at the bottom of exterior doors to help block cold air
  • Lower water-heating costs. Set your water heater to 120°F to save energy, reduce costs, and prevent scalding.
  • Limit nonessential electric use during colder mornings and evenings, when heating systems typically work hardest
  • If you’re on a Shift to Save or Demand price plan, plan high-usage activities outside peak hours when possible
You don’t need to do everything. Even one or two small adjustments can help during short cold snaps.

A note for Shift to Save and Demand price plan customers
If you’re on a Shift to Save or Demand price plans, cold weather can change when you use energy, not just how much.

Shifting high-usage activities like laundry, dishwashing or electric vehicle charging to non-peak hours when possible can help manage costs during colder periods.

Staying safe while keeping warm
Staying warm is important, but safety always comes first. Please keep these tips in mind:
  • Use space heaters with caution. Plug heaters directly into wall outlets and keep them at least three feet away from curtains, furniture, rugs and paper. Heat only small areas and choose thermostatically controlled models.
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Do not use charcoal grills or propane heaters indoors. These can produce carbon monoxide and are not safe for indoor use.
Cold weather may be uncommon in Florida, but preparing for it doesn’t have to be complicated. Paying attention to those two cold mornings and making a few small adjustments can help you stay warm, stay safe and better manage energy use through the coldest days.