Progress Energy officials say electricity use this morning could set a record for the company. The previous record was set almost a year ago, in February 2009.
The higher power use is a direct result of the string of cold nights and days that have invaded the Tampa Bay area. As people turn up their thermostats to stay warm, they are also ensuring that their bill will be higher - even more than it would be in the summer.
"It's gonna cost a lot more to keep your home warm in weather like this than it will to keep your home cool in a typical summer Florida afternoon," said Bill Simpson of Progress Energy.
He says the reason is matter of temperature differential. The temperature outside during the typical summer is only 10 or so degrees different than inside. But on these cold winter mornings, the difference between outside and inside can be 30 degrees or more.
That, said Simpson, will lead to higher electricity bills as people crank up their heat. He suggests lowering your thermostat to 70 and notes that every degree below that will save you about 10 percent on your energy bill.
He said a space heater, as long as it's used wisely and not left unguarded, can save money.
"It could behoove you to have a space heater in a small room and then lower the entire temperature of the home down," he said.
Electricity users can also save money by turning down water heaters to 120 degrees or cooler and covering water heaters with special wraps available at home improvement stores.
Despite the expected high demand for power due to the cold weather, Progress Energy officials are confident the company will be able to handle the load by firing up special "peaking plants" and buying power from other companies.
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