Residents in Lawrenceville should brace for an arctic blast over the next two weeks. A polar vortex is expected to bring freezing temperatures, pushing up energy demand and potentially impacting power costs.
What’s Happening: Forecasters predict extreme cold weather across the Southeast, including Lawrenceville. With higher energy use expected, electricity and natural gas prices could rise. Lawrenceville Utility customers, especially those on market-based rates, may see higher bills in February.
Who’s Affected: Lawrenceville Utilities, which works with MEAG Power and the Gas Authority, says reliability remains a top priority. However, customers are urged to reduce usage during peak hours:
- Morning: 5 to 8 a.m.
- Evening: 5 to 8 p.m.
Why It Matters: While MEAG Power typically avoids winter load management, voluntary reductions can ease strain on the system. Energy-saving efforts during peak times can also help lower costs.
What’s Next: The utility company is urging customers to monitor energy use and follow updates on the City of Lawrenceville’s social media pages. For tips on saving energy, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website.
Who They Are:
- MEAG Power supplies wholesale electricity to 49 Georgia communities.
- The Gas Authority provides affordable natural gas to local communities.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
