WILLISTON, FL (352today.com) – This weekend, temperatures across Florida are expected to drop into the low teens. This unusually cold weather forecast is statewide and marks the first event of this severity since 2010.
In the State of Florida, approximately 90 percent of customers rely on natural gas, particularly during peak winter hours. According to the Florida Municipal Power Association (FMPA) and Florida Gas Utility (FGU), natural gas costs are expected to reach unprecedented levels due to increased demand. The city cannot control natural gas prices. As a result, utility bills for February and March may be significantly higher than normal for customers throughout the Eastern United States.
To help reduce the impact of these higher costs, residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve energy as much as possible, especially during hours of peak usage.
Peak hours include:
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
During peak hours, the following energy-saving steps can help lower utility costs:
- Set your thermostat to a temperature that is comfortable for your family. For every degree below 68 Fahrenheit, you can save up to 5 percent on heating costs.
- Increase the thermostat gradually to avoid activating auxiliary heat, which uses significantly more energy.
- Use electric blankets or space heaters to warm small areas and turn them off when leaving the room.
- Reduce hot water usage by limiting showers and avoiding the use of large appliances that require significant hot water.
- Turn off swimming pool heaters.
- Avoid charging electric vehicles.
Due to the freezing temperatures, City Hall will be closed until noon on Monday. However, staff will be on call to respond to power outages, water leaks, and other weather-related emergencies. The city is fully prepared to respond to this cold weather event just as it does to other natural disasters.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Williston at 352-528-3060.