As Mid-Southerners prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the temperatures are forecasted to take a dramatic drop. MLGW reminds customers that by wisely using energy they help to keep costs down.

"Customers need to be careful as we approach this colder weather and the holiday weekend. If you are not at home for several days and leave your thermostats set at a higher temperature, the colder weather will cause them to cycle on and off more often, which will increase your costs," said MLGW Energy Doctor Janice Smythe-Tune.

MLGW recommends checking your thermostat before you leave home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Set it at 60 degrees, but be sure that it is turned on since overnight lows are expected to be close to freezing through the weekend.

If you will be home for Thanksgiving, MLGW recommends setting your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees during the daytime. Dress in layers to help you stay warm. Lower the temperature even more at night or if you plan to be away for four hours or longer in order to aid in energy savings.

Space heaters can be an excellent source of supplemental heat. Follow these tips to stay warm and safe using space heaters:

To provide adequate air supply, position portable electric heaters away from furniture, curtains and other items.

Never leave the heater unattended or alone in a room with small children.

Do not use space heaters overnight while everyone is asleep.

Do not cover heater or place items on top of unit.

For gas heaters, units should be installed only by qualified individuals, and the gas flame should burn steady and blue. A yellow or wavering flame, gas smell or overheating are signs of inadequate air supply.

MLGW offers more energy saving tips at the Winter One-Stop section of www.mlgw.com.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. A 2007 survey of large metropolitan areas showed that MLGW has the sixth lowest combined rates in the nation.