Here's how to save money as cold weather drives up utility bills

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People can expect higher energy bills due to continued cold weather this winter.

LG&E suggests people layer up, use blankets and do what they can do to stay warm without cranking up the thermostat too much.

Some of the tips LG&E encourages customers to try include cleaning out furnace filters, opening the blinds while it's sunny during the day, and putting towels around cracks in doors or windows that could otherwise let in cold air.

The freezing temperatures in January will show up on customers' bills if they turned up the heat to keep warm. Anyone who is struggling to pay can set up a payment plan and get connected with assistance, according to LG&E.

"We understand. It is very hard. I know sometimes it's a surprise. Even mine when I got it, I was like, 'Oh we used a lot of energy in January, right?' So, we do appreciate that and we're here for our customers and we encourage them just to contact us to we can help them and figure out what's best for them," said Chris Whelan, LG&E KU Vice President of Communications.

More cold weather is expected in the Louisville area this week, along with potentials for snowfall.

"The biggest thing as you head into this week, if you can lower that thermostat, if you could change your temperature just slightly, that is where the big savings are," said Whelan. "Just for every degree you can save 3% on your heating bill."

In Indiana, Duke Energy said it offers programs to help customers manage and understand their monthly energy costs. It also suggests replacing standard light bulbs with LEDs, which are more efficient and can help with save costs over time.

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