(INDIANA & MICHIGAN) - With extreme cold and snow in the forecast, Indiana Michigan Power is urging customers to take steps to stay safe, avoid fire hazards, and manage higher winter energy costs.
I&M officials say heating systems work much harder during sub-zero temperatures, often driving up utility bills even when thermostats are left unchanged. The company recommends keeping thermostats set at a steady, comfortable temperature, wearing extra layers such as sweaters and blankets, and sealing drafts around exterior doors with rolled towels to prevent heat loss.
The utility strongly discourages the use of space heaters, citing both fire risks and higher energy costs that can add more than $60 a month to a bill. Customers are also warned never to use stoves or ovens as a source of heat.
I&M says it has strengthened its electrical system in recent years through smart technology, equipment upgrades, and proactive tree trimming. Those efforts have reduced customer outages by nearly 50 percent over the past five years, according to the company.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for text or email outage alerts, keep contact information up to date in their online accounts, and monitor real-time energy usage to better control costs during prolonged cold snaps.
More information, including how to enroll in alerts, is available on Indiana Michigan Power's website.