Get ready for winter

Winter is a challenging time for energy usage and safety. Review these winter tips to stay comfortable without spending a lot of money and to stay safe throughout the winter months.

Energy-saving tips
Here are some ideas to save money on heating:

• Open shades, blinds and drapes to gain the sun’s heat during the day and close them at night to help retain heat. 
  

• Adjust your thermostat downward when asleep or away. You can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting (about 68 F in winter) for 8 hours a day. 

• Leave the thermostat’s fan switch on “auto” so the fan only runs when the furnace runs. Setting the fan to “on” causes it to run all the time (and use energy), whether or not heating is needed.

• Turn your thermostat down to 55 F if using a fireplace. Older, wood-burning fireplaces tend to be inefficient and can be costly, drawing more heated air out of your home through the chimney than a fire can produce. So, turn the thermostat down when you cozy up in front of the fire. After the fire is out, close the flue damper to keep warm air in the house.

More energy-saving tips

Energy safety
Staying safe around electricity and natural gas is important year round, but winter requires some special considerations:

• Keep electric and natural gas meters as well as air vents clear of snow and ice. Use a broom or hands (not a shovel, salt or ice-melting chemical). 

• If you smell natural gas, move away and call us at 800-261-5325 or call 911.

• If you use a generator, use it safely: Generator safety

• If you install holiday decorations, do it safely: Holiday decoration safety

More energy safety tips

Energy assistance
If you have questions about payment options, call our payment assistance line at 800-842-4565. Many customers in Wisconsin qualify for help in paying energy bills. If you qualify, apply now for energy assistance for the winter heating season. Learn more:
Energy assistance

Power outage preparation
We work to maintain a reliable power delivery system, but severe weather and other events sometimes cause power outages that require many hours and even days to address. Be prepared and know what to do should a power outage occur:
Outage safety tips

Scammers
Scammers claiming to be from an energy company may call or show up on your doorstep demanding money. Don't let a scammer ruin your holidays. Learn about these scammers and what to do:

Scam awareness