Three Things We Want You to Know as Cold Temperatures Continue Across Alabama

As Alabamians across the state face another stretch of well below-average temperatures, we know this kind of cold can feel especially hard. When temperatures dip this low for this long, it can create real stress for our families, our homes and our budgets. As we move through the week ahead, here are three things we want you to know.

First: We’re here for you.

Your comfort and well-being matter to us. Our teams have been preparing for this winter weather and are ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible if outages occur. We understand this level of cold can create real challenges, from keeping your home warm to staying connected. Please know we’re committed to sharing clear information and supporting you every step of the way.

Second: Colder days can make it harder for your home to stay warm, which can affect energy use.

Your energy bill is based on how much electricity you use. When temperatures fall well below freezing, heating systems have to run longer to keep your home comfortable. Your heater doesn’t know the date on the calendar or what’s in your budget – it simply responds to the temperature outside and the thermostat setting you choose inside.

Here in Alabama, many homes rely on electric heat – about 7 out of 10 homes across the state – which is more than the national average. During extended cold spells, these heating systems may run nearly nonstop just to keep up.

On average, January lows across Alabama are around 36°F. This week, temperatures are expected to dip closer to 20°F. That difference matters. When it’s that cold, daily energy use can rise significantly – as much as 50%. The greater the gap between the temperature outside and your thermostat setting inside, the harder your equipment has to work.

If it feels comfortable and safe to do so, lowering your thermostat by just a degree or two can help ease the strain on your system and may help keep your bill more manageable. You can also find more energy-saving tips to try at home at alabamapower.com/tips.

Third: Support is available, and help is always within reach.

Being able to track your energy use and get support when you need it can make a real difference. That’s why we offer the following tools for you to try out and use:

• My Power Usage helps you track daily energy use and spot patterns.
• Rate Advisor is an easy quiz that helps you compare rate options based on how you use electricity.
• Budget Billing helps smooth seasonal spikes by averaging your bill amounts across the year.
• Energy Assistant can help you connect with assistance options and next steps.
• Bill Explainer helps clarify each section of your bill.

For more winter support, visit alabamapower.com/winter. You can also always reach out to us Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 1-800-245-2244, report an outage or downed line here or by calling 1-800-888-2726, or view our outage map here.

As this cold stretch continues, please know we’re focused on what matters most – serving you.