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New Braunfels Utilities Acknowledges Impact of Recent Winter Weather on Customer Electricity Usage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Krause
Chief Strategic Communications and Security Officer
830.629.8440 | mkrause@nbutexas.com

(New Braunfels, TX – January 23, 2024) – In response to the recent extremely cold winter weather experienced in the region from January 13 to 17, 2024, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is sharing some important information and notifying its valued customers about the potential effect on the electricity portion of their bills. The extraordinary cold temperatures during this period led to increased electricity consumption as customers utilized heating systems to maintain comfort in their homes.


Key Points

  • Temperature Drop: The winter weather during January 13 – 17, 2024, saw temperatures dropping well below average for consecutive hours, staying at or below freezing for 55 hours, according to Weather Underground’s San Antonio Airport Weather Station.
  • Increased Usage: Residential customers experienced above-average usage from January 13 to 17. Customers actualized an average increase in usage ranging from 23% to 33% over the previous month’s usage. This results from customer heating units running frequently and continuously to keep the home at the desired temperature. Generally, heating and air conditioning units can achieve a temperature of 20 degrees warmer or cooler than outside.
  • Varied Impact: The impact on individual bills may vary. The variation depends on customer habits, household-specific factors, and other weather events.
  • Overall Impact: The average customer usage increased by 146% over the course of this event. As a result, customers should expect a $30 to $40 increase on their next bill from the higher usage due to this weather event. 

It is NBU’s mission to strengthen our community by providing resilient essential service, and we extend our appreciation to the community for heeding ERCOT’s conservation appeals during the cold weather event.

Helpful Resources:

To assist customers in estimating their monthly bills, NBU encourages using the Residential Rate Calculator, available at nbutexas.com/bill-calculator. This tool enables customers to gauge the potential impact of electricity usage on their bills, allowing for better budgeting and planning.

To arrange a complimentary Energy Assessment, visit nbutexas.com/assessment and to gain insight into our Rebate Program, visit nbutexas.com/rebates.

“New Braunfels Utilities understands the importance of transparency, and our Customer Service Representatives are available to assist customers if they have questions regarding their bills. We are here to help our customers during this period, and we want them to know we remain committed to delivering exceptional service,” said Ryan Kelso, CEO.

New Braunfels Utilities Customer Service representatives can be reached at 830.629.8400, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) strives to be a trusted community partner dedicated to excellence in service and is one of 2,000 community-owned, nonprofit public power electric utilities in the nation.  With a mission of strengthening our community by providing resilient essential services, NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of residents appointed by the New Braunfels City Council. New Braunfels Utilities provides electric, water, and wastewater services.  Utility revenues are continually invested back into the systems of the customers, which benefits the community.  New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police, and parks.  Follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas, and to learn more, visit nbutexas.com.