The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has advised residents to prepare for extreme cold weather expected from today through the weekend. The PUC emphasized the importance of staying safe and warm while taking steps to avoid increases in utility bills.
The PUC outlined several recommendations for reducing energy consumption during winter months. Residents are encouraged to set thermostats between 65-70 degrees when at home and 58 degrees when away, noting that programmable thermostats can help manage heating costs more efficiently. Other suggestions include letting sunlight warm homes during the day by opening blinds, ensuring exterior doors are fully closed to prevent heat loss, running ceiling fans clockwise to distribute warm air, and minimizing oven door openings while cooking.
Additional tips include lowering water heater temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or insulating it for greater efficiency, regularly changing furnace filters—ideally once a month—to maintain airflow and reduce heating costs by up to 15%, sealing windows with affordable kits available at home improvement stores, and improving insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors, and ducts. According to the PUC, better insulation can cut monthly energy bills by as much as 10%.
For safety during severe weather, the commission advises clearing snow and ice from outdoor vents and meters using a broom rather than a shovel to prevent damage. Proper ventilation should be maintained indoors, and gas ovens or stovetops should not be used as primary heat sources. Installing carbon monoxide detectors is recommended; if symptoms like headache or dizziness occur, residents should leave their homes immediately and contact emergency services.
Households are also urged to prepare emergency kits containing blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food items, and medications. In case of suspected natural gas leaks—recognizable by an odor similar to rotten eggs—residents should evacuate on foot without using electronic devices or switches and call 911 from a safe location.
Consumers seeking information about winter preparedness or assistance with utility bills are encouraged to contact their service providers: Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Colorado Natural Gas, or Xcel Energy. The PUC’s Utility Bill Help Program connects income-qualified residents with assistance programs managed by these companies; eligibility is determined after referral.
Homeowners and renters can access information about available rebates and incentives designed to lower energy costs through the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator tool.
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