Thursday morning, several Pearl River County residents experienced a power outage. Coast Electric Power Association reported 63 homes around North Hill in Picayune experienced a power outage due to the winter weather, but power was restored at around 8 a.m. Thursday. Mississippi Power reported no outages due to the weather.

In a recent Coast Electric press release, the company reported that due to the recent low temperatures, residents might also experience a spike in their utility bill.

Coast Electric’s Media Services Executive, April Lollar, said that heating systems are usually the main culprit behind the increase in costs in resident’s electric bills.

The press release offered a few tips on saving money during the cold weather.

• Instead of turning on the heater, dress for the weather. Wear layers of clothes to avoid turning up the thermostat.
• Make sure to change air filters every month.
• Try to keep window drapes closed at night and during times of little sunlight.
• Cover any exposed pipe and water heaters.
• Place a seal or weather strip around windows and doors.
• The fireplace damper should remain closed when not in use.

Lollar added that since heaters often work overtime during frigid weather, it’s best to use the options listed above to stay warm and save money at the same time.