Utility companies say they are ‘prepared’ for extreme winter weather, no repeat of 2021

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – According to the 4Warn forecast, single digit temperatures are headed to Oklahoma. The final time the metro noticed winter climate that bitterly chilly, folks ended up paying for it for many years. Electric companies requested clients to recoup the fee to warmth and energy properties from the 2021 winter storms.      

Oklahoma Natural Gas and OG&E, together with different metro energy companies, requested clients to cowl the fee of power consumption and repairs. Both companies advised KFOR they might be ready if the winter climate turns extreme this season.

“Our preparations start in the fall before the freezing temperatures arrives,” stated Aaron Cooper, company communications supervisor for OG&E. “We do cold weather checks of equipment at all our different facilities and make sure things are prepared and ready to go.”

The bitter chilly led to a dramatic enhance in demand for electrical energy and heating fuels, which pressured utility companies to purchase pure gasoline at a a lot greater value. The greater value has led to Oklahoma utility clients to face a virtually 30-year enhance of their payments.

“What we’re seeing right now, there’s no concerns,” stated Cooper. “We anticipate and expect our power generation fleet to fully power the grid. We do not expect anything like that at this point from what we’re seeing and when we’re prepared.”

Oklahoma Natural Gas despatched KFOR a press release saying they too have ready months upfront for winter climate.

“At Oklahoma Natural Gas, our prime precedence is delivering pure gasoline to our clients safely and reliably. Our work to safe pure gasoline provide to maintain clients heat through the coldest days begins months earlier than the winter. In truth, we purchase pure gasoline in the summertime, when costs are usually decrease, and place the gasoline in storage. About 50% of our pure gasoline provide is saved earlier than the winter season and temperatures drop. In addition, our workforce works all year long to take care of and make enhancements to our pipeline techniques, making certain our clients can heat their properties and companies through the winter climate.

Colder climate usually means elevated use of pure gasoline for clients. By following suggestions like sealing leaks round doorways and home windows and altering or cleansing their air filters, clients can assist reduce the impression chilly climate has on their month-to-month payments. For extra power suggestions, go to oklahomanaturalgas.com/energytips. As at all times, we encourage our clients to contact us if they want monetary help at 800-664-5463.”

The AARP of Oklahoma has been asking the identical questions. Sean Voskuhl, the state director of AARP Oklahoma, stated no one wished to see a repeat of 2021.

“Customers have had enough,” stated Voskuhl. “We don’t want that situation happening again. I think it’s really important that we hold our utility companies accountable and know what steps they’re taking.”

Utility companies additionally really helpful doing easy issues like turning down the thermostat a number of levels, winterizing your house, and cleansing air filters to chop down on the month-to-month invoice.