O&R: Extreme cold straining power supply

GOSHEN — Orange & Rockland Utilities is asking customers to conserve energy as frigid temperatures strain the region's power supply and delivery systems.

To meet heavy electric and natural gas loads without jeopardizing service, O&R is encouraging everyone to do what they can to reduce energy usage.

"Every little bit helps," O&R said in its statement early Tuesday morning. The utility offered the following tips:

Turn your thermostat down while you are not home. Try to keep the temperature no greater than 68 when you are home during the day and lower it by five to 10 degrees overnight.

Make sure your thermostat is not affected by drafts that could skew the readings. Use a clock thermostat to automatically change the heating pattern to fit your schedule.

Take a moment to turn off any devices or appliances you are not using.

Use weather-stripping at all attic stairwells and access openings for tight insulation.

Stop cold air infiltration from electric switch and plug outlets by using draft blockers.

Open curtains or shades of east, south and west-facing windows on sunny winter days to let the sun help you heat your home. Close them at night. Keep draperies closed all day on north-facing windows.

Close all hot air vents or radiators in unused rooms. Then, close the doors to those rooms securely, using draft guards at the door bottoms if necessary. Caution: If you have a radiator-hot water system, be sure that the unused room does not get so cold as the temperature falls below freezing.

Check all places where heat enters the room. Make sure the draperies and furniture do not block the flow of heat.

Use a room or furnace humidifier or keep shallow pans of water on radiator tops or near hot air vents to add humidity to your home.

Check the filters on your forced-air furnace every month during the heating season. Replace as necessary.

If you do experience a power outage, report it to O&R at 1-877-434-4100.