With weekend temperatures forecast to reach 104 to 106 degrees, CPS Energy is advising customers to continue conversation efforts due to an anticipated higher-than-normal weekend energy demand. 

“Normally, energy use drops somewhat during the weekend because office buildings are unoccupied and people are away from home shopping or doing other activities,” said Lisa Lewis, director of Corporate Communications. “But the extreme heat may cause residential energy use to increase to record demand levels throughout the state.”

To conserve energy this weekend, residential customers are encouraged to:

• Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
• When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 80 degrees or higher, and use fans to cool the air.
• When away from home, set thermostats to 85 degrees and turn off all fans before leaving.
• Avoid use of the dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, or other home appliances during peak demand times of 3 – 7 p.m.
• Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary.
• Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven during peak times.
• Set pool pump(s) to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

To conserve energy, businesses should consider:

• Turning off all non-essential office equipment over the weekend.
• Adjust the air conditioning to 85 degrees or higher in unoccupied buildings or spaces.
• Turn off lights; unplug coffee pots, microwaves, clocks, radios and other small appliances that might otherwise normally be left on.

Other ways to help conserve are: taking in a movie (Santikos Theatres is offering reduced movie prices on select films. Spend time at a mall; art museum; library or other cool public location. Being away from home will allow customers to raise thermostats, save money on their utility bills, and stay cool.