For Immediate Release
Contact
PECO Communications
PECO.Communication@exeloncorp.com
PHILADELPHIA (January 18, 2018) The frigid temperatures during the past few weeks caused customer demand for natural gas to soar to record-breaking levels. PECO set new company records in terms of natural gas delivery for several days between December 27 and January 7.
On January 6, customer demand for natural gas totaled 804,372 thousand cubic feet (Mcf), breaking 800,000 Mcf for the first time ever. On January 5, natural gas demand totaled 794,194 Mcf and on December 31 demand totaled 780,138 Mcf. All three days surpassed the previous all-time winter daily total of 767,421 Mcf set on February 19, 2015.
"We work throughout the year to ensure that our customers have the energy that they need, especially during extreme weather conditions," said Ron Bradley, vice president of Gas Operations. "Our electric and natural gas systems continue to perform well and our ongoing investments in our system help maintain this reliable performance."
Though PECO customers are currently paying among the lowest price for natural gas in 15 years, customers should still use energy as efficiently as possible to reduce the impact that extreme temperatures can have on monthly energy costs.
Customers can take simple steps to save energy and money this season:
PECO urges customers stay safe. Never use an oven or other cooking device as a heat source for your home. It also is a good idea to check on elderly neighbors and relatives during the extreme cold.
Payment assistance programs are also available to help manage energy costs:
PECO customers who are not eligible for low- and fixed-income assistance but are having trouble managing their energy costs should also consider taking advantage of other programs including budget billing. Budget billing makes short-term fluctuations in monthly bills much easier to handle by dividing annual energy costs evenly throughout the year.
Customers experiencing any natural gas or electric issues should call the company immediately at 1-800-841-4141.
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PECO, founded in 1881, is Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas utility. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to more than 1.6 million electric customers and more than 516,000 natural gas customers in southeastern, Pennsylvania. The company's 2,500 employees are dedicated to the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas as well as enhanced energy management conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. PECO was named 2017 Best Mid-size Employer in Philadelphia by Forbes Magazine. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.3 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 8,700 local jobs and producing $732 million in labor income. PECO is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's only Fortune 100 utility and leading competitive energy provider. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
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