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Cold weather in January likely caused your energy use to increase, which may lead to higher-than-normal electric bills. We understand that increased bills can be frustrating, and we want to explain why this happens during  extreme cold weather events like those we experienced in mid-January.

Winter weather, especially prolonged cold spells, significantly impacts energy use. Heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort, and many households rely on electric resistance heating, which consumes large amounts of electricity. The combination of sustained low temperatures, increased indoor energy use, and longer heating system run times led to higher electric consumption across our service area.

Here are the key reasons why electric bills tend to be higher during extreme winter events:

1. Resistive Electric Heat Uses More Energy: Many homes rely on electric resistance heating, such as space heaters, baseboard heaters, or electric furnaces. These systems consume large amounts of electricity compared to heat pumps or gas heating.

2. Consecutive Cold Days Increase Use: When temperatures stay low for multiple days, heating systems must run continuously to keep homes warm. This extended runtime significantly increases electricity consumption.
• January had 18 days with highs lower than 60 degrees.
• January had 4 days with highs lower than 45 degrees.
• January had 19 days with lows of 35 degrees or lower.
• Of the 19 days, 10 were 25 degrees or lower.

3. Heat Pumps Work Harder in Extreme Cold: Even efficient heat pumps become less effective when temps drop too low. When this happens, they switch to backup resistive heating (heat strips), which consumes much more electricity.

4. Heat Loss Through Air Leaks: The colder the outdoor temperature, the faster heat escapes through windows, doors, and walls. This makes heating systems work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

5. Electric Water Heaters Work More: In the winter, the water entering your home is much colder, meaning electric water heaters require more energy to heat water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing.

6. Space Heaters Multiply Energy Costs: A single 1,500-watt space heater running 12 hours a day can use 540 kWh per month, significantly increasing your bills. If multiple heaters are used, the impact is even greater.

7. Shorter Days = More Lighting Use: With less daylight, homes rely more on artificial lighting, which adds to electricity use.

At West Florida Electric, we're committed to helping our members manage energy costs. Our energy services and member service reps are happy to talk with you about options that might help ease the strain of higher winter bills.

Give us a call at 800-342-7400 with any questions regarding higher than- usual winter bills.