FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grand Valley Power Encourages Lower Energy Use

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (December 21, 2022) – An Arctic blast forecasted to bring negative temperatures to eastern Colorado and much of the central U.S. this week could increase local electricity bills on the western slope. The extreme cold is expected to increase demand for natural gas to heat homes and generate electricity and is causing natural gas prices to go up.

Grand Valley Power, an electric cooperative that delivers power to rural homes and businesses surrounding Grand Junction, said a significant increase in wholesale natural gas prices could be passed through to consumers as a fuel cost adjustment and is recommending its members take steps to reduce their energy use.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers tips for saving electricity during the cold winter months.

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable and turn it down even more when you leave the house or are sleeping (but leave it at a comfortable level for pets).
• Take advantage of heat from the sun by opening curtains on the sunny side of your home.
• If you have one, use a wood or pellet stove to heat your home.
• Limit the use of electric space heaters. Electric space heaters should be used along with timers to supplement heat in small spaces.
• Cover drafty windows with insulating drapes or shades; seal leaks with caulk or weather stripping.
• Keep the temperature of your water heater on the warm (120 degrees F) setting.
• Use LED lights for holiday decorating or lighting your house.

Grand Valley Power buys its electricity at wholesale prices from the Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, and does not yet know what the actual impact will be on its consumers. A similar event occurred in February 2021 when Winter Storm Uri increased demand for natural gas and caused a spike in fuel costs.

“It’s important to us to deliver the reliable and affordable power that our members deserve,” said Rita Sanders, Director of Marketing and Communications at Grand Valley Power. “Some forces, such as severe weather events, are beyond our control and impact the market prices of energy.”

Grand Valley Power members who need help paying their winter electricity bills will find a list of assistance programs on the Grand Valley Power website at https://gvp.org/energy-assistance.

About Grand Valley Power

Organized in 1936, Grand Valley Power is the first rural not-for-profit electric cooperative in Colorado. Serving over 18,000 customers within the Mesa County area, Grand Valley Power is dedicated to empowering lives with hometown service and safe, affordable, reliable electricity. For more information, visit gvp.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.