My gf in Bellingam WA (coastal, just below the Can-US border) just got these emails from her hydro and gas suppliers. It's been unseasonably cold there recently (down to 6ºF at night) and in the teens during the day, although things are beginning to thaw out now, with temps predicted to hit the 40s towards the end of next week. I thought that area was pretty well supplied. We in BC haven;t had any warning, although Alberta recently had similar notices go out as they have been hit with really cold weather.
She's been OK, but it does make you realize that backup heat is pretty important if you have it, esp. with building codes there and in other areas now requiring that all new construction be non-fossil fuel, ie heat pumps. Most still don't work all that efficiently at single-digit temps and require a fair bit of AC to run. So if both electricity and gas use are under caution, yer pooched!
Despite no warnings here I've been running my pellet stove quite a bit recently to reduce my gas usage (boiler + HW baseboards) as we, too have been pretty cold, with night-time temps to 0ºF and highs only around 12º. I won't save any $$ as but I discovered recently that the Federal "carbon tax" on my Dec. gas bill was about 21% of the total
Puget Sound Energy is asking customers to conserve natural gas and electricity use through the evening hours. Due to the extreme cold temperatures facing our area, regional utilities are experiencing higher energy use than forecasted, and we need to reduce strain on the grid.
This evening, we’re asking customers to set their thermostats at a lower setting and limit the use of hot water, such as dishwashing or clothes washing, dryers and other appliances. For more ways to reduce your usage, visit our energy-saving tips page on pse.com.
We appreciate your assistance in supporting our communities throughout the region.
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Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
Extreme Weather Event
Due to extreme cold temperatures in Western Washington and complications from a regional natural gas storage facility, Cascade Natural Gas is asking customers to reduce natural gas usage from Saturday evening, January 13th at 9 PM PST, until noon on Tuesday, January 16th. These issues may put stress on natural gas flow, which could affect service. You can help by lowering your thermostat as much as you can comfortably manage, minimizing hot water usage and turning off natural gas fireplaces, garage heaters and any other non-essential appliances that use natural gas. With your cooperation, Cascade Natural Gas expects it can maintain service in the area.
If you experience a natural gas outage, please call CNGC customer service at 888-522-1130. We will notify you if circumstances change. Thank you for your cooperation.
This evening, we’re asking customers to set their thermostats at a lower setting and limit the use of hot water, such as dishwashing or clothes washing, dryers and other appliances. For more ways to reduce your usage, visit our energy-saving tips page on pse.com.
We appreciate your assistance in supporting our communities throughout the region.
------------
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
Extreme Weather Event
Due to extreme cold temperatures in Western Washington and complications from a regional natural gas storage facility, Cascade Natural Gas is asking customers to reduce natural gas usage from Saturday evening, January 13th at 9 PM PST, until noon on Tuesday, January 16th. These issues may put stress on natural gas flow, which could affect service. You can help by lowering your thermostat as much as you can comfortably manage, minimizing hot water usage and turning off natural gas fireplaces, garage heaters and any other non-essential appliances that use natural gas. With your cooperation, Cascade Natural Gas expects it can maintain service in the area.
If you experience a natural gas outage, please call CNGC customer service at 888-522-1130. We will notify you if circumstances change. Thank you for your cooperation.
She's been OK, but it does make you realize that backup heat is pretty important if you have it, esp. with building codes there and in other areas now requiring that all new construction be non-fossil fuel, ie heat pumps. Most still don't work all that efficiently at single-digit temps and require a fair bit of AC to run. So if both electricity and gas use are under caution, yer pooched!
Despite no warnings here I've been running my pellet stove quite a bit recently to reduce my gas usage (boiler + HW baseboards) as we, too have been pretty cold, with night-time temps to 0ºF and highs only around 12º. I won't save any $$ as but I discovered recently that the Federal "carbon tax" on my Dec. gas bill was about 21% of the total
Even though I am "remote" 
we seldom lose power for more than a few minutes, or once every couple of years eight hours maximum. Lines are all underground.
I almost replaced my pellet stove a few years ago when I had some big trees taken down. Split it up and stacked it. But the wood stove was going to cost quite a lot - much of which was the 2-storey double-wall SS pipe required for venting - plus wondering if I would have the energy to cut and buck up wood when I got older. So I stuck with the pellet stove. But there's no question that a wood stove is wonderful.
