Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has advised residents to take precautions during the current cold snap in Florida. The utility is encouraging people to prioritize safety and manage energy use as temperatures drop unexpectedly.
OUC has provided several recommendations for safe heating. Residents are reminded to keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Ovens and stoves should not be used as heat sources due to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric blankets should not be tucked in while in use.
For energy savings, OUC suggests that home heating is the main source of energy consumption during colder periods, presenting opportunities for cost reduction. Adjusting thermostats down by one degree can lower heating bills by up to three percent. Other tips include sealing windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk, reversing ceiling fan direction to circulate warm air downward, and turning heaters down or off when leaving home.
Residents are encouraged to register for outage alerts available in English and Spanish by texting REG to 69682 or visiting OUC.com/alerts. Updates on outages can also be received by texting OUT to 69682 or calling (407) 423-9018. The latest information is accessible via the OUC Outage Map.
“At OUC, safety comes first. In the event of an outage, our crews are ready to respond and fully prepared to begin restoration efforts as quickly and safely as possible,” stated OUC.
The Orlando Utilities Commission provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting, and solar services across more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud, and parts of Orange and Osceola counties. The utility has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while continuing support for conservation and sustainability initiatives within Central Florida.
