Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Preparing for winter

Winter heating information

As the residential utility consumer advocate, the Office of the Ohio’s Consumers’ Counsel works to provide valuable information to consumers. During the winter heating season it is important for you to know about ways to stay warm and safe while being energy efficient to save on natural gas and electricity and save money.

Winter heating safety
Many consumers may be looking for alternative ways to heat their homes to avoid the high cost of natural gas or to stay warm in the event of a power outage. We encourage consumers to take the necessary precautions to stay safe when using items such as generators, heaters and fireplaces as alternative heating sources. Below are just a few tips to consider helping you and your family stay safe and warm this winter heating season.

Generators
There are several different types of generators available to use in the event of a power outage. The type you purchase may depend on price, type of fuel needed to run the generator and how often you expect to have to use it. When purchasing a generator, talk with a salesperson about your anticipated needs for the unit. Also, follow these safety tips:

• Never use the generator inside the home or in an attached garage. It should be operated outside in a well ventilated area and protected from the elements;
• Never exceed the rated capacity of your generator; and
• Start the generator with the largest appliance first, then add additional items one at a time.

Kerosene and gasoline heaters

• Always choose a heater that has the latest safety standards built in;
• Make sure that there is a guard around the burner in kerosene heaters to avoid fires;
• Keep all heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface and at least three feet from flammable objects;
• Always fill the heater outside of the home and only after it is cool; and
• Keep small children and pets away from heaters.

Energy efficiency
Consumers can help lower their heating bills by becoming more energy efficient. Consumers would be surprised to learn that by turning their thermostat down by five degrees over an eight hour time period, nearly a 10-percent savings could be realized on their monthly heating bill. Another way to help reduce the amount of energy used is to install a programmable thermostat. Consumers can set the thermostat to regulate the temperature so that less energy is used to heat the home while they are away or overnight while the household is asleep.

For more information on winter safety tips including information about extension cord safety and how to prevent and treat frozen water pipes, read "When the power goes out: safe heating tips." Information on energy efficiency can be found under the “Smart Energy” section along with more information about renewable and alternative energy.

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander