Last week’s continued cold weather with below-freezing temperatures pushed Puget Sound Energy’s customer natural gas usage to a new record high on Friday, Dec. 19, surpassing the one set earlier that week week.

PSE’s natural gas demand reached 780,000 MMBtus (million British thermal units), surpassing Monday’s usage of 755,881 MMBtus.

PSE cautions customers that December’s increased energy usage will be reflected in future energy bills and urges everyone to use energy wisely, particularly during the peak periods of customer use from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

PSE customers who think they may have difficulty with higher bills should contact the utility to inquire about payment plans or other available payment assistance options.