The City of Salem is asking residents heating with natural gas to turn down their thermostats slightly so the city can avoid having to purchase extremely expensive penalty gas.
Public Works Director Annette Sola says because the cold snap is expected to affect even the deep south, natural gas prices are expected to soar over the weekend.
“I would encourage everyone to just turn your thermostat down one or two degrees. A small decrease in your thermostat would be large savings on the gas. Hopefully, what we have in storage will hold up and we won’t have to buy in at the high price. If we can get through the weekend without having to buy in, we think we are home free. That is kind of the plan.
Sola says purchasing the higher-cost gas would have to be paid off through higher customer bills. She’s also contacted major industries, some of which were already planning shutdowns which will also help the situation.
The city is also providing tips to avoid frozen water lines. They strongly encourage you to open the cabinet doors under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow the heat in your home to warm the pipes. You should also turn the faucet on to a very slow drip, keeping the water moving in the pipe which will also help against frozen water pipes.
If at all possible, the city encourages you to stay indoors, if you suspect frozen water lines please contact the City of Salem, at 548-2222 or the after-hours emergency number 548-2232 for help.
