With the recent record-setting temperatures during the end of January meant most of us stayed inside and looked for ways to stay warm - meaning members you may see higher-than-normal electric bills. Which leads to the common question, “why does my bill go up when it is cold outside?”

Besides, the common answer of more energy was used during cold weather, because more people spend more time inside the home. But that is not all, heating systems work much harder to keep your home comfortable in cold weather. Even if the thermostat setting is not changed, the heating system must run longer to heat the home. Older systems may have to work harder to keep the conditioned space warm enough to combat bone-chilling temperatures. Even gas heating systems use electricity to power the fan and distribute warm air.

While the heating system must run longer and more often to compensate for the temperature difference, chances are hot showers, baths and more hot water was used but also space heaters, electric blankets were also used which also contributes to higher energy usage.

At any time, REC members can login into SmartHub and see their usage and monitor their account. If there are any questions, members can call our office at 405-756-3104 or 1-800-259-3504 and speak to the Billing Department.