Exceptionally Cold Temperatures Lead to Higher Electricity Use

MT. CRAWFORD – Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) wants to make member-owners aware that with the recent stretch of bitterly cold temperatures, higher electric bills could result because of increased electric use.  Wintertime usually means higher heating bills, but the temperatures have been remarkably cold recently, and for longer periods of time.  With highs only in the lower to mid 20s, significant increases in electric bills could be possible. 
 
With temperatures staying at or below the freezing mark, more people stay inside, and more electricity is being used to heat homes and businesses, which leads to higher total electric bills. 
 
Rates have not increased for any of SVEC’s member-owners during this time period.  Higher bills this time of year are a direct result of greater electricity consumption. 
 
SVEC understands member-owners’ concerns about these unusually high bills. The Cooperative would like to remind member-owners to control electricity use by being aware of how much energy is being consumed, and taking appropriate conservation measures. Information about how to best conserve energy is on SVEC’s Web site at www.svec.coop, and Energy Saver booklets are available at all district offices. Also, the free and voluntary Beat the Peak program helps the Cooperative hold down electric rates by getting member-owners to reduce consumption during high peak demand times. More information on this program is available at www.SVECBeatThePeak.coop. 
 
Chartered in 1936, SVEC serves approximately 93,000 meters in the counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren and the city of Winchester in Virginia. Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative was the first electric cooperative chartered in Virginia. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. SVEC supports our armed services and veterans in employment opportunities.