We Energies asks customers to lower thermostats to 60-62 degrees.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – We Energies is encouraging customers to reduce their use of natural gas by immediately lowering their thermostats to 60 to 62 degrees. The move will allow customers to stay safe, warm and help avoid a significant natural gas outage.

This request comes after one of the interstate pipeline suppliers that supplies natural gas to We Energies experienced a significant equipment failure that limits the amount of fuel they send to We Energies.

The affected pipeline is one of several sources We Energies uses to receive natural gas. On a normal day, a problem like this would not require customers to reduce their usage. But with extreme cold in much of the United States, We Energies is unable to receive additional natural gas from its other pipeline suppliers.

We Energies has already taken a number of steps to reduce natural gas demand, including drawing from LNG and propane storage facilities, and reducing natural gas to business customers who have agreed to special billing in these types of arrangements.

We Energies also strongly encourages customers to avoid using other natural gas appliances such as fireplaces, tumble dryers or ovens.

The company works to maintain service for emergency and critical facilities.

Customers should take the following measures to reduce demand for natural gas:

· Set thermostats between 60 to 62 degrees. Add layers or blankets to keep in the heat when you lower the temperature on a thermostat.

· Close blinds or curtains at night and avoid opening doors to keep in the heat. Open blinds during the day to let in heat from the sun.

· Avoid using secondary natural gas heating sources, such as natural gas fireplaces.

· Use natural gas areas sparingly. Prepare food with slow cookers or microwave ovens.

We expect this shortage to last the rest of the day ̵[ads1]1; and will reassess tomorrow.

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