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For Immediate Release |
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News Release
Orlando Utilities Commission
January 29, 2007 |
Contact
Grant J. Heston, Communications Manager
Sheridan Becht | Erika Hodges |
OUC
READY FOR POTENTIAL FREEZE
Customers Urged to Stay Safe When Keeping Warm During Cold Snap
ORLANDO –
OUC-The Reliable One is ready to provide power for home heating
systems during this mid-week cold snap. All
OUC power generation and transmission systems are ready to go for the
possibility of freezing weather.
However, based on the short duration of potentially freezing temperatures,
OUC does not expect to set a new demand peak.
To ensure fast response should any problems develop, OUC will double
overnight staffing of electric distribution trouble crews. At 4 a.m.
Tuesday, additional crews also will report to work, along with regular
crews, two hours earlier than usual.
Because such cold weather occurs infrequently in Central Florida, OUC wants
to remind customers to be safe when keeping warm. By following these energy
saving and safety tips, customers can stay comfortable -- and lower their
utility bills during the cold weather:
·
Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from furniture,
bedding, walls, clothing and other flammable items.
·
An electric blanket can help keep you warm on a cold night,
but follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you turn it off and
unplug it when it's not in use. Never tuck an electrical blanket in.
·
Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. It can cause
fires.
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Keep thermostats set at 68 degrees or lower.
·
At night, close blinds or drapes to help keep cold air out.
During the day, open blinds/drapes to let the warm sunshine in.
·
Clean or replace central heating and air conditioning filters
monthly. Dirty filters put an unnecessary strain
on the unit and can increase operating costs.
Customers may report outages by calling OUC’s 24-hour emergency service
hotline at 407.823.9150.
Established in 1923 by a special act of the Florida Legislature, OUC—The
Reliable One is the second largest municipal utility in Florida. OUC
provides electric and water services to more than 196,000 customers in
Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties.
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