Spire asks customers to conserve energy due to polar vortex, unprecedented natural gas demand across Midwest
By following simple steps, customers can reduce energy, save money during colder temperatures
ST. LOUIS (Feb. 14, 2021) — Due to frigid weather conditions across the Midwest, Spire is urging customers across Missouri to conserve energy.
The current weather has impacted supply to many utilities across the central United States, with natural gas wells freezing in some parts of the country and increased demand on the natural gas transportation system. Like many other utilities and communities, Spire is asking customers to conserve where possible.
“Our teams are working hard to make sure our customers are safe and warm during these weather conditions,” said Scott Carter, Spire Missouri president. “We are carefully monitoring the situation and while our systems remain strong, we want to work together as a community by taking some temporary steps to make sure they stay that way.”
In addition, Carter says it’s anticipated that customer bills – which naturally increase during the winter with higher usage – could be higher as a result of higher wholesale natural gas costs.
“With the weather conditions creating a combination of supply issues and high demand, we are seeing increases in natural gas prices in our region,” said Carter. “How this will specifically impact customer bills is something we can’t quantify at this time. We want customers to know we are looking out for them and that by taking a few simple steps, they can lower their energy consumption – and help lessen the impact on their bills. The next few days are critical while temperatures remain below freezing.”
For example, customers can conserve energy and manage their bills by:
- Turn thermostats down a few degrees
- Limit use of natural gas fireplaces
- During the day, open curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight heat the home. Close curtains at night to reduce potential incoming cold from any drafty windows
- If windows feel drafty, install insulating drapes, shades or weather sealing tape to prevent cold air from seeping in
- Seal areas around the home where air could come in. These leaky areas often can be found around pipes that connect to the outside, unfinished spaces behind cupboards, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and closets.
For more information on ways you can do your part and help conserve energy during these extreme conditions, go to SpireEnergy.com/ColdWeather.
About Spire
At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR), we believe energy exists to help make people’s lives better. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s at the heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.7 million homes and businesses making us the fifth largest publicly traded natural gas company in the country. We help families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our natural gas-related businesses include Spire Marketing, Spire STL Pipeline and Spire Storage. We are committed to transforming our business through growing organically, investing in infrastructure, and advancing through innovation. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.
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