A woman walks through snow in downtown Louisville, Ky., following a winter storm over the weekend.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Although snow from the weekend winter storm has moved on, dangerously cold temperatures continue to affect the Louisville area.
Extreme cold places additional pressure on the electric grid that supplies power to homes and businesses. However, Louisville Gas & Electric said Monday that widespread power outages have largely been avoided. Since the weekend began, LG&E reported fewer than 9,000 outages across its service area.
Even so, company officials said the way customers use energy during extreme cold can affect both individual power bills and the overall stability of the grid.
LG&E said ongoing conservation efforts during periods of severe cold can help reduce the risk of outages as winter weather persists.
“If we all take a couple small steps here and there, working together, we can also help lessen a potential strain,” said Liz Pratt, an LG&E spokesperson, on Monday.
LG&E recommends setting thermostats at a comfortable yet efficient temperature and lowering them by a degree or two when possible. The utility also suggests wearing layers and using blankets to reduce the need for constant heating.
Experts further encourage residents to turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and seal drafts around doors and windows to keep warm air inside.
“As our heating systems are working overtime to keep up with the cold, those draft-stoppers help keep that cold air out, but also keep the warm air in,” Pratt said.
Keeping blinds and curtains closed can help limit heat loss, but LG&E noted that opening them during sunny periods can provide natural warmth.
“You can open up those curtains and blinds and allow that natural heat from the sunshine to warm up the air,” Pratt said.
The utility also advises keeping vents clear to allow heat to circulate properly throughout the home.
LG&E has shared additional energy-saving tips with customers on its website.
To help prevent pipes from bursting during single-digit temperatures, Bryant Heating & Cooling recommends letting sinks drip to keep water moving through pipes. The company also suggested opening cabinet doors underneath sinks so warm air can better reach the pipes.
Bryant further advises homeowners to maintain a consistent indoor temperature of around 68 degrees.
For those who need to travel during the cold snap, experts said vehicles also require extra care. Drivers are encouraged to check their battery, monitor tire pressure—which can drop in cold weather—and ensure windshield wipers and washer fluid are suitable for winter conditions.
“If you are staying home and don’t have to go into the office or school, it would still be a good idea to start your car and let it run for a few minutes,” said Lynda Lambert, a spokesperson for AAA. “Because when they sit still for a few days, that can be a problem as well.”
Experts also recommend clearing all snow and ice from vehicles before driving and carrying an emergency kit with blankets, water, and a flashlight to stay safe.
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