New Braunfels and Canyon Lake water and electric utilities are preparing customers for a week of freezing temperatures.
Temperatures will rise into the mid-70s on Sunday before a strong cold front passes through the area. The forecast for rest of the week calls for highs of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with lows between 27 to 33 degrees.
Today, the U.S. National Weather Service Austin-San Antonio said wintry precipitation is possible Thursday for some areas, although the location and type of precipitation remain highly uncertain.
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU)
NBU said it is taking steps to ensure reliable and resilient service during potential severe winter-weather conditions.
“Winter weather can bring unexpected challenges, but preparation is key to staying safe,” said Mark Steelman, chief operations officer. “Our crews are dedicated to maintaining and restoring services as quickly and safely as possible during storms. We encourage our customers to take this time to ready their homes for everyday winter conditions and the possibility of severe weather.
“Our goal is to work together with the community to face winter challenges.”
NBU’s winter readiness efforts include installing advanced technology like smart switches, which enhance grid reliability by detecting faults early; reducing the number of customers impacted by outages; and expediting restoration times.
Steelman said NBU also has strengthened critical infrastructure by adding insulation, weatherproofing enclosures and taking free protection measures to vital systems,
The company also has prioritized tree trimming. Ice can weigh down tree branches and cause them to make contact with power lines, a common source of winter disruptions.
NBU reminds customers to
- Open cabinets under the sinks in kitchens and bathrooms allows heated air to circulate around pipes.
- Let indoor faucets drip.
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. In a pinch, wrap them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam, or even bubble wrap.
- Cover any vents around a home’s foundation.
- Drain irrigation water supply lines,
- Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
- Know where to find a home’s main water shut-off valve. Most homes have a master valve or a main water shut-off that turns off all the water coming into a house. Click here to watch a video about how to find the valve and turn it off safely. The page also provides complete information about surviving cold weather.
- Turn the water off at the main shut-off valve if a leak is suspected.
- If draining pipes, do not forget to turn off the power to an electric water heater or gas supply line if the water heater is a gas appliance.
The Texas Water Company
The Texas Water Company urges customers to “get ahead” of freezing temperatures and protect outdoor and indoor water fixtures.
Follow these tips to safeguard water pipes and prevent costly repairs:
- Insulate pipes — Wrap pipes to prevent winter freezing.
- Cover faucets — Use domes or foam to insulate spigots.
- Protect pumps — Insulate outdoor pumps to avoid damage.
- Drain hoses — Disconnect and drain hoses, store indoors.
- Turn off the water when traveling — Shut off water at the main valve and leave faucets open to drain the pipes.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Canyon Lake’s electricity provider, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, warns heating a home can use up to three times as much energy as cooling it. Extremely cold weather can put undue stress on an HVAC system.
To save electricity, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the heating season and down another 7-10 degrees when away from home. This could save up to 10% per year on the electric bill. Avoid auxiliary (AUX) and emergency (EM) heat unless necessary to prevent high usage.
Open drapes and shade on sunny days and close them on cold, windy days. Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Add sealant to weatherize around windows and doors as needed.
Change HVAC filters regularly.
For tips on heat pumps, click here.
