As Georgians continue to experience record-low temperatures this winter, Georgia Power is reminding customers that preparation and planning can help minimize the impact of the severe weather on their energy bills.

Following are five simple steps to save money and energy during this period of extreme cold, and year-round.

• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and maintain a consistent temperature in the house.
• Open curtains and shades on the sunny side of the house to let the sun warm the home naturally.
• Ensure that heating vents are clear of any obstructions, such as furniture or drapes.
• Caulk or weather strip around all doors and windows.
• Insulate the steps to the attic. Heat rises and uninsulated attic steps allow warm air to escape.

Visit www.georgiapower.com for more winter weather tips, as well as instructional videos that provide step-by-step instructions for making homes more energy efficient throughout the year.

In addition, customers are encouraged to take advantage of Georgia Power’s new My Power Usage program. Available once residential customers are logged in to their online account, the program provides detailed information about how they are using their energy including when they use the most power, their overall daily usage and even their projected bill.