The people of Orange used more electric blankets, heaters and foot warmers on August 12 than they ever have in Country Energy’s recorded history.

According to Country Energy, usage peaked at 72.8MW on August 12 which was an increase on last year’s peak usage of 66.5MW which occurred on July 18.

Country Energy’s regional general manager Chas McPhail said the high energy usage was definitely indicative of the recent weather being experienced in Orange.

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

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Mike DeFalif confirmed what we already know to be true; Orange has experienced a “string of really cold temperatures”.

“Looking at the temperatures, it’s been a very cold August with the month averaging 6.8 temperatures every day, well down on the average temperatures of past years.”

Average temperatures for August last year were recorded as 12.7C although historically temperatures for August have averaged 10.7C.

Mr McPhail urged people to complete an online inventory of their usage and look at ways of saving energy by using the company’s “energy wise calculator”.