OHIO — Ahead of the extreme cold weather expected in the coming days, AEP Ohio has issued some advice to customers to best prepare.

What You Need To Know

  • Extreme cold is on its way

  • AEP Ohio has issued some advice to customers to best prepare    

  • Prep an emergency kit, avoid downed power lines and use space heaters with caution

  • Cold weather can also drive up heating costs

In a release from the company, they said the non-profit energy monitor PJM has issued a Cold Weather Alert, “indicating that power generation suppliers should be ready to respond to increased demand for energy.”

Matt Bennett, the AEP Ohio’s director of operations, said their team is monitoring the weather and preparing for the impacts.

“When weather forecasts predict extreme cold, it is a great time to make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date and to talk with your family to review emergency preparedness plans for the winter,” he said. “Check in with friends and neighbors to be sure they have a plan, too.”

The company recommended the following winter weather safety tips:

  • Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit with food, water, flashlight, batteries, battery powered radio/TV, cell phone, charging bank, blanket/sleeping bag, medicine/first aid and cash
  • Avoid downed power lines, which can cause severe injury or death
  • Be safe when heating your home by being cautious with space heaters and checking smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
  • Enroll in text alerts, follow AEP on social media and ensure contact information is correct

“Extremely cold, winter weather can also send furnaces into overtime — causing energy usage and electric bills to go up,” the release reads. “Our team is here to help if you’re facing financial hardship.”

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