February electric bills reflect how hard your heating system worked during January’s extended cold stretch.  January is typically the coldest month of the year — and this year proved it.

We experienced prolonged periods of below-freezing temperatures, including single-digit lows and bitter wind chills. 28 days of the month were at or below 32°F, meaning heaters across our system were running longer and more often.

Why You Use More Energy in Colder Months

When temperatures drop, heating systems don’t just work a little harder — they work significantly longer to maintain the same indoor comfort. Even a few degrees colder outside can increase run time and energy use. Add in the snowfall around January 25 that helped lock in cold temperatures, and the result was sustained heating demand across our area.

It wasn’t just the thermostat.  During cold spells, we naturally spend more time indoors. Lights, appliances, televisions, and device chargers all contribute to higher overall usage. And even homes that heat primarily with gas still use electricity to power blower motors, controls, and ignition systems — which cycle more frequently during extended cold weather.

Heating makes up the largest portion of winter energy use. When winter delivers real cold, electric usage follows.  While we can’t control the weather, you can monitor and manage your energy use.

Track  Your Usage

SmartHub allows you to track daily and monthly usage trends, compare billing periods, and stay informed about how weather impacts your home. If you haven’t already enrolled, we encourage you to sign up today.

If you have questions about your bill or would like help reviewing your usage, our team is always here to help.