Hot and humid conditions have caused MidAmerican Energy to issue a peak alert. It's in effect through Friday, encouraging customers to conserve energy.
The utility company says it has enough generating capacity to handle these extreme conditions when demand for electricity is expected to reach maximum levels. But customers can reduce their demand, and save money:
- wait until after sundown to use appliances such as clothes dryers and ovens, or use them in the morning.
- set your thermostat a few degrees higher - MidAmerican estimates each degree will cut your electrical usage 3 to 5 percent.
- use fans to reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
- help your air conditioner work as efficiently as possible by clearing grass, weeds and shrubs from around it.
- and block the sun by closing drapes to shut out direct sunlight, especially those on west and south windows of your home.
