COLUMBIANA — As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s in the eastern United States, in the upcoming days, the city of Columbiana electric customers are being asked to conserve power to benefit community electric rates.

“Community Energy Savings Days” is a response program for when demand for electricity is expected to be high.

Columbiana customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 23 to 26.

Lance Willard, city manager, said, “As a municipal electric system, owned by its citizens and customers, it is contingent upon those same citizens and customers to keep the electric rates for themselves and all other customers of the city of Columbiana as low as possible. Our citizens and customers have the opportunity to make a difference in their system and their rates by conserving energy during these periods.”

Customers can take simple conservation steps, such as shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raising the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; closing curtains, drapes and blinds; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during alternate hours; and turning off televisions, computers and other electronic devices when not being used.

“There’s plenty of power available, and our grid is in good shape,” Willard said. “If we can conserve during these peak hours, the city can save on transmission and capacity costs next year.”

“Lowering the peak demand will help control electricity rates for our customers,” he concluded.