NORWICH – The Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) and NYSEG are encouraging customers to pay particular attention to their energy use during what are typically the harshest winter months – January, February and March.

“Cold weather drives energy consumption,” said Terri Van Brooker, director of customer service at NYSEG and RG&E. “This is a very important time for customers to use energy wisely, in order to help manage their energy costs.”

NYSEG/RG&E recommended that customers set their thermostats no higher than 70 degrees during the winter months, and at 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours or in bed for the night, although this may not be advisable if frail, ill or elderly people, or infants are in the home.

The installation of automatic set-back or programmable thermostats, along with a monthly cleaning or changing of furnace filters, during the heating season, will also benefit customers, according to a NYSEG/RG&E press release. The utility companies also wished to remind customers that warm air rises, so using registers to direct warm airflow across the floor is advantageous. In addition, NYSEG/RG&E recommended that customers close vents and doors in unused rooms, close fireplace dampers when not in use, and take advantage of sunny days by opening draperies or blinds, remembering to close them at night to insulate against cold temperatures.

Regarding electricity and lighting, NYSEG/RG&E suggested the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Using programmable timers, unplugging cell phone chargers and other electronic devices, and turning off lights and electrics when not in use will also assist customers in conserving during the winter season, according to the January press release.