TULSA -- As colder temperatures approach and the possibility of winter storms increases, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is encouraging customers to take proactive steps to stay safe and prepared.
PSO crews work yearround to strengthen the electric grid by trimming trees near power lines, upgrading equipment, and installing smart technology to help reduce outages and improve response times.
“We’re always monitoring weather conditions and preparing our system to handle whatever Oklahoma’s winter might bring,” said Dwayne Apple, PSO Vice President of Distribution Operations. “Now is a great time to review your emergency plans, check your supplies, and make sure your loved ones and neighbors are ready too.”
Winter Weather Safety & Preparedness Tips
• Build an emergency kit with essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, phone charging bank, blankets, first-aid supplies and necessary medications.
• Customers who rely on life-supporting medical equipment should have a backup power source and an alternate plan in case of an outage.
• Treat all downed power lines as dangerous. Stay away and call 911 immediately.
• Use space heaters safely. Keep them on flat surfaces, away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Stay Connected
• Sign up for text alerts and update your contact information to receive outage updates and service notifications.
• Follow PSO on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Winter Energy Efficiency Cold weather can increase energy usage even if thermostat settings stay the same. Research resources to help manage bills and reduce energy use.
Consider using these tips to moderate power bills until the winter weather moderates: 1.Adjust the temperature in your home when no one is home or when everyone is asleep. Set thermostats as low as appropriate for staying healthy and comfortable. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat by just a couple of degrees can result in significant longterm savings. 2.Replace your air filters to keep your HVAC system and thermostat(s) working well as you heat your home. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less effective.
3.Seal leaks to stop drafts. No one likes a cold draft on a winter day. Air leaks can cause your home to lose 25% or more of the energy used to heat it! Doors are the #1 culprit, so use door seals and door sweeps to stop cold air in its tracks (plus, get instant rebates from us). But don’t stop there; check keyholes, ceiling light fixtures, and fireplace mantels to see if you can spot other places your heat could be escaping and seal them accordingly.
4. Use your curtains. Open your curtains and blinds during daylight hours to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. Close your curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to act as a barrier and prevent cold chills from cooling your home.
5.Adjust the temperature of your water heater. After heating and cooling systems, water heaters are the second-highest source of energy usage in a home. Whether you use it or not, your water heater continually reheats water to a set temperature, 24/7. Lowering the temperature on your water heater by just a few degrees can save you a couple of dollars on your monthly energy bills.
About PSO
PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is an electric utility company serving more than 580,000 customer