Saskatchewan has once again been plunged into the deep freeze, and over the Christmas break, when friends and family gather to celebrate the season.

"With the cold snap that we've been having across Saskatchewan, since about Christmas Day, we've seen power consumption go up a lot," shared Johnathon Trembley with SaskPower, "Especially with Boxing Day, which was our highest recorded peak at about 3,540 megawatts. That day's always a big one, when the malls are open a bit later, and people are at home and using more electricity."

He noted that the current totals are not quite a record, however, the next few days could change that, as stores reopen and the low temperatures continue.

"When it's extremely cold, it's important to make sure your furnace system is working well. Carbon monoxide safety is an issue we take very seriously at Saskpower."

Trembley pointed to their website for more information on how to ensure that your furnace is safe and not creating a hazard from the colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.