Power company offers tips to save energy costs amid heat wave

Kentucky is in the middle of a heat wave as summer begins. Kentucky Utilities is letting people know to conserve energy amid high demand.

KU spokesperson Daniel Lowry says the utility is having no problems meeting capacity as its customers use more power.

“The system is performing like it should. But obviously we encourage customers to take the steps to reduce their energy usage and help prevent that extra drain and strain on the grid,” Lowry said.

Lowry recommends turning off any unnecessary lights or appliances, drawing shades to close out sunshine, making sure vents are open and not blocked by furniture and maintaining HVAC units.

He also recommends raising the thermostat to the highest comfortable level.

“Even one degree can save you as much as four to seven percent on the cooling portion of your bill,” Lowry said. “So that makes a difference when it's 90 degrees outside. Having your thermostat at 70 really isn't going to make you feel much better than having it at 75, right?”

Kentucky Utilities has a list of assistance programs on their website for those with higher energy bills.

LG&E and KU is an underwriter for WEKU.