Mother Nature isn't letting up on cold temperatures and snow yet, so Avista offers a few tips on managing your energy use.

Because of the region's longer heating season, customers' energy bills are typically the steepest of the year in January and February. With sustained cold temperatures this time of year, heating systems run longer and work harder to keep the temperature at the level set on the thermostat which increases energy use.

In addition to energy use, the number of days in a billing cycle will also have an impact on energy bills. The average number of days in a billing cycle is 31, but it can range from 28 to 34 depending on the number of days in a month and any holidays. The number of days in a customer's billing cycle is displayed on each monthly bill.

Heating and cooling a home can make up as much as half of annual energy use, so taking steps in winter to keep the warm air inside the home and the cold air outside can help manage energy use. Some easy ways to get started include:

* Set your thermostat to 68 degrees and lower it to 63 at night and when leaving the house. If you have a heat pump as the main heating source, a two to three degree setback is what is recommended. Installing a programmable thermostat will let you set it and forget it.

* Seal air leaks by installing door sweeps on exterior doors or putting a towel at the bottom of the door, caulking around windows and exterior doors, and installing foam insulators behind switch plates and outlet covers on exterior walls.

* Clean or replace furnace filters regularly, and keep vents clear of obstructions.

* Electric space heaters are more efficient when used to heat a smaller occupied space or in a common area that is generally cooler than the rest of the house.

* Limit using an open fireplace when it is extremely cold because the fireplace will draw heated air from your home and send it up the chimney.

Avista offers a number of services for customers who may need help with their energy bill such as energy assistance, comfort level billing, payment arrangements and Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Services (CARES). The CARES program provides assistance to special-needs customers through referrals to area agencies and churches for help with housing, utilities, medical assistance and other needs.

Info: www.avistautilities.com.