January 2022 usage up over 2021

Good morning NFEC Members, 

Most all of you have received your bill for January 2022 usage.  The common theme is bills are higher this January vs January 2021.  I wanted to give some insight in the differences this year vs last year.  The average air temperature for January 2022 was 36.5 degrees vs 39.1 degrees for 2021.  This is a decrease in average temperature for our area of 6.64%.  January 2022 power usage for the residential class was up 6.30% compared to usage in 2021.  Usage percentages typically always increase as temperatures decrease.

Higher usage due to the cold weather is one factor, the second factor is the price of fuel.  The price of fuel to purchase power was 15% higher this year vs January 2021.  In comparison to Unleaded fuel at the pump, our area is currently 39% higher vs this time last year.  I know higher fuel prices is not a good thing for anyone, but we are doing a good job keeping it as low as possible.  Did you know that November 2021 usage saw the highest price for fuel?  We are 13.5% lower on fuel this month from the high.  February usage is going to see another slight decrease in fuel price. 

I have attached the Mesonet reports for Elk City for January 2021 and January 2022.  I also attached the AAA report for gas prices at the pump.

I hope you have a great week and continue to pray for rain.

Brent Meador, General Manager