BELLINGHAM, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) Energy usage around northwest Washington reached historic levels during last week’s cold snap.

Puget Sound Energy says it set new records for demand on both the natural gas and electric system on Friday.

That level of electricity usage hadn’t been recorded since December of 2009, according to PSE.

The previous record for natural gas usage was more recently set in December 2022.

PSE sent out a message to customers asking them to conserve their energy usage following Friday’s spike in demand.

Its tips to conserve include setting thermostats even just a degree or two lower and reducing hot water usage when washing dishes or doing laundry.