Just ask anyone in Bathurst if this August has been colder than usual and they will tell you in no uncertain terms. However, Country Energy has the figures to prove it.

Monday August 11 saw the highest demand for energy on record as Bathurst people turned up their heaters, switched on the electric blankets and took hot showers in an effort to drive out the chill.

On this day Bathurst’s maximum temperature was a chilly 7 degrees Celsius.

A table of the peaks of energy usage within Bathurst from August 1 through to August 12 tells the whole story.

This was the highest peak demand Country Energy has on record for Bathurst, a peak that hasn’t been reached since.

The peak demand on this day was 9% higher at 77MW with energy usage at 8% higher than the previous Monday, August 4.

Orange peaked in energy useage on Tuesday August 12, however, demand in Bathurst was even higher.

Orange reached 72.8MW whereas Bathurst peaked at 77MW.

Country Energy’s Regional general manager, Chas McPhail said the energy usage was even higher than last year’s record which fell in July.

“Despite Monday being a little warmer the day’s record maximum demand is not surprising with the local wind chill factor,” Mr McPhail said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage customers to visit Country Energy’s website for energy saving tips and to utilise our energy wise calculator which demonstrates to customers where they can save energy.

“Alternatively customers can visit the customer service centre in George Street for energy tips,” he said.

The cold mornings continued yesterday with a minimum reading for Bathurst of -4.5 degrees with the temperature rising to 0.5 at 9am.

Country Energy suggests saving power by insulating the first couple of metres of outlet pipes from the hot water system, take showers instead of baths as baths tend to use more hot water and fill jugs and kettles from the cold water tap as filling from the hot water tap actually uses more energy.

They also suggest drawing curtains at night to keep the cold air out and warm air in, keeping doors and windows closed and draughts sealed, insulating the ceiling to reduce heat loss in winter, turning off heaters when not in use, lowering the setting on the heater or using a thermostat-controlled heater.

Of course people can also try keeping warm with a jumper rather than turning up the heat, and keeping the heater to a comfort level of 18-21 degrees Celsius.

When using a clothes dryer, remove as much water as possible from washing before using the dryer and don’t overload or over-dry the washing.