Southeast Wisconsin bitter cold; saving on energy bills

The cold weather means school cancelations and potentially higher heating bills.

What we know:

We Energies rates just increased at the start of the year, about $8 for an electric bill.

Several school districts across southeastern Wisconsin have been canceled on Tuesday, Jan. 21, due to dangerously cold temperatures.

If you're stuck inside, We Energies said there are ways you can save on your heating bill.

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What they're saying:

We Energies media relations manager Brendan Conway said turning your thermostat down just one degree makes a difference.

He explained the cost of natural gas, or heat, makes up at least 60% of your bill.

"If you can use your furnace less you can save," Conway said. "Open up your shades, open up your blinds, let the sun in, it will warm your home, your apartment naturally."

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Don't use your oven for heat and if you have a space heater, make sure it's not near anything else and don't plug it into a power strip.

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Southeast Wisconsin bitter cold; We Energies offers tips to stay warm

We Energies is offering tips to keep you and your family safe and warm during our bitter cold stretch of weather.

We Energies urges people to stay safe and warm as the cold is here to stay. They also have extra crews on standby in case of a power outage to ensure people will have heat during these cold days.

Local perspective:

Karly Race has a 5, 4 and 2-year-old and works from home. But for parents who aren't typically home but not have to be Tuesday, she said it helps to keep expectations low.

"I was almost glad because I have to walk them down to the bus stop. And then with all the littles we have to walk them down in the afternoon too," Race said. "You're working from home, don't be afraid to use screens, let them run, get the Play-Doh out."

The Source: Information in this post was provided by We Energies.

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