Cold snap brings mixed reactions as Philadelphians bundle up-- or don't

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Bitter temperatures kept many people indoors Tuesday as a cold snap settled over the city.

But those who ventured outside showed a wide range of approaches to dealing with the frigid weather.

Across Philadelphia, some residents were covered head to toe with only a sliver of skin exposed. Others stepped out wearing shorts or even no coat at all. Pet owners were also reminded to protect their dogs' paws from the freezing pavement.

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Responses to the cold varied just as widely.

"It is freezing out here, like, oh my goodness," said Gina McMillion of West Philadelphia. "Today I feel as though school should have been closed, work should have been closed. Because it's uncomfortable, we should not have to be out here walking like this."

Others embraced the chill.

"I have on long johns, the sweater, the fleece, my gloves, two pairs of socks, my Timbs. I'm good," said Doris Hamilton of Logan.

With temperatures hovering in the teens and 20s, many households are turning up the heat, but that increased use could show up in next month's energy bills. December's colder-than-usual weather already resulted in higher charges for many customers.

"Now we're in a new cold snap, that's even colder and lasting even longer. That's going to drive up usage and will be something our customers begin to see on their bills," said Candice Womer of PECO.

PECO is encouraging customers to take steps to keep costs down, including lowering thermostats by two to three degrees and avoiding heating unused areas of the home.

Hamilton, for her part, said she plans to turn the heat down and doesn't mind a bit.

"I love this weather. It can't get cold enough," she said. "I'm looking forward to the snow this weekend."

PECO offers a customer relief fund that can provide up to $750 for eligible households needing help with their bills.