Winter Storm Blair set to hit High Plains
Ahead of approaching winter weather across the Midwest, Black Hills Energy is sharing steps you can take now to save money when Winter Storm Blair impacts the area with snow, arctic temperatures and ice.
“Weather changes are a key driver in our customers’ usage and bills,” said Ward Slocum, Black Hills Energy Kansas general manager. “We want people to know about a few simple things they can do right now to help save money and energy ahead of the storm.”
- Be winter ready – Black Hills Energy is gearing up for Winter Storm Blair and you should too. Planning begins long before these kinds of weather events. As the cold sets in and customer demands for energy increase, the company focuses on delivering safe, reliable energy, while equipping our customers with ways to help reduce their usage.
- Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees – Making a small adjustment to your home temperature can have a big impact. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year by simply turning your thermostat back seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.
- Lower your water heater setting – Lowering your temperature setting a few degrees can also save energy. Reducing your water heater temperature to under 120 degrees can save you up to 10% on your water heater costs.
- Utilize the natural heat of the sun – Opening blinds for all south-facing windows is a great way to let the sun heat your home during the day, so that you can turn down the thermostat and turn off the lights. Remember to close your drapes or blinds at night, which will help insulate your home from any energy leaking from windows.
- Keep the warm air in – Use kitchen and bath ventilating vans only when necessary. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a house full of warm air.
“Black Hills Energy is ready for winter,” Slocum said. “Although there is currently no cause for concern with Winter Storm Blair, we are watching the weather carefully and are prepared for our technicians to support our communities when necessary.”
The company is also reminding the community of important natural gas meter safety tips. Snow and ice buildup on your meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating equipment and other appliances. Please follow these guidelines:
Natural gas winter safety tips
- Gently clear snow away by hand or with a broom. Do not use a shovel, ice pick or other sharp tools, damage could result and make the situation worse.
- Keep snow blowers and shovels away from gas meters and other above-ground equipment.
- Carefully clear snow away from the outdoor vent on high-efficiency furnaces. The furnace won’t run safely and efficiently if the vent is blocked.
- Safely remove ice buildup from overhead eaves that could fall and damage gas meters below.
- Point out the meter and any other above-ground utility structures to anyone you hire for snow removal.
Black Hills Energy will continue to provide service updates on its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. For more information on cold weather energy efficiency tips, including steps to take after the cold weather passes, visit blackhillsenergy.com.
