MTE reminds members to prepare for extreme cold weather

With the dangerously cold temperatures arriving tonight and remaining for several days, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) encourages members to be prepared and take precautions to stay warm and safe while managing their energy costs. Below are some tips: 

• Use space heaters sparingly if possible. Space heaters are designed to heat small areas for a short amount of time, but long-term use can lead to significant energy consumption and cost. For safety, always plug space heaters directly into the wall and not a power strip. Do not place space heaters near curtains or other flammable materials and keep children and pets clear of them. 
• Set your thermostat between 65°- 68°and leave it alone. With temperatures this cold, your HVAC system must work harder for each degree you raise the thermostat. Every degree above 68° could add three percent to your electric bill. Maintain a steady temperature, even while sleeping. 
• Keep interior doors open and vents unblocked. This will improve air circulation and reduce hot or cold spots.  
• Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use. Leaving it open allows cold air to enter and warm air to escape. 
• Always use generators and fuel outdoors. Generators should be kept at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.  
• Retain indoor heat. Stay inside! Avoid opening exterior doors if possible and keep all window coverings closed to preserve heat. Consider shielding windows with additional coverings at night, like a sheet or lightweight blanket. 
• If you’re worried about a spike in next month’s bill, consider Levelized Billing. This option allows members to pay roughly the same amount on their bill each month, removing any extreme month-to-month fluctuations caused by weather, energy use and other factors. It is calculated by taking an average of energy use for the previous 12 months and will only have moderate variations each month. Contact MTE at 877-777-9020 or through the online portal at mte.com to learn more.  

MTE’s offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, but our line crews remain ready to restore power 24/7 during any weather situation. To report outages, call 877-777-9111 or use the myMTE app. For emergency assistance, call 800-777-9020. For additional energy tips and resources, visit mte.com/EnergyTips.