Blue Ridge Energy Encourages Members to Conserve Energy Friday Morning

LENOIR, NC (January 4, 2018)…The coldest of the arctic weather predicted for Friday will cause even higher demand for electricity across the region and Blue Ridge Energy is encouraging members to conserve where possible.

The cooperative especially recommends wise energy use during the early morning hours of 6 to 9 am when most people are getting ready for work and school.

“Blue Ridge Energy’s system is built to operate reliably and handle additional demand but it’s always a good idea to conserve where possible during unusually high demand periods,” said John Coffey, Chief Operating Officer of Blue Ridge Energy.

“The cold front is spanning the entire region, creating unusually high demand across several states,” Coffey added. “If everyone conserves a little, it can make a huge difference in helping ensure reliable power for everyone.”

Blue Ridge Energy recommends the following to conserve energy while staying comfortable and safe for your household’s particular needs:

• Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting, and even lower when you sleep or are away.

• Add a wool layer of clothing or additional blanket to your bed.

• Turn off all unnecessary lights, cell phone chargers and other electronics.

• Reduce hot water usage: take shorter showers.

• Shift your laundry and dishwasher times to the evening and only run full loads.

• Close blinds at night to help keep out the cold, but on sunny days be sure to open them to let in the sun’s warmth.

Visit www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com for more tips on energy efficiency and safety.

Blue Ridge Energy is a member-owned electric cooperative serving some 74,000 consumers in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Alexander and Avery counties.