Despite extremely cold temperatures expected to dip below zero, officials at Allegheny Power and the Office of Physical Plant (OPP) expect few problems.

According to AccuWeather, last night's temperature was anticipated to fall as low as -3 degrees, and today's forecasted high temperature is 13.

Because of the low temperatures, Penn State is taking extra precautions to keep buildings warm and prevent any frozen pipes and other side effects of the frigid weather, said Paul Ruskin, OPP spokesman.

Ruskin said the university — which is heated by steam generated by burning coal at plants on the west and east ends of campus — will have both plants running on very cold nights.

Usually, he said, the university "turns down" the heat to many of the buildings on campus at night, as do most homeowners. But because of the intense cold, he said the heat will stay on overnight.

"We take steps like this whenever temperatures drop below zero," he said.

Ruskin said the university uses steam heating rather than electric because of its efficiency. Also, Ruskin said, the university is able to increase or decrease the amount of electricity produced by having the steam plants on campus.

"It's designed so that everybody in all buildings will have sufficient heat," he said.

Guy Fletcher, spokesman for Allegheny Power, said the company is not expecting problems as a result of the cold and has an adequate supply of energy, despite an increase in its use.

The company's main concern, he said, is not the cold but the winds. Significant gusts could cause some users to lose power and heat, he said.

"It's something we're keeping an eye on," Fletcher said.

But the cold does not create some of the same problems as severe thunderstorms, heavy snowfall and gusty winds, he said. As a result, the company is hoping for clear weather during the intense cold streak.

Fletcher suggested that though electrical equipment used to heat homes and apartments varies, residents should check their air filters at least once a month.

Safety is also a concern, as an elderly man in Philadelphia died early Saturday morning after his gas was shut off because he and his son hadn't paid the bill, according to The Associated Press.

Fletcher suggested that anyone in a similar situation — who is having trouble making payments or who might have their electricity cut off — should call the company immediately at 1-800- 255-3443.

Mike Sager, an AccuWeather meteorologist, said temperatures are expected to rebound this weekend.