COLUMBIANA — As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s over the next few days in the eastern United States, city officials are asking Columbiana electric customers to conserve power

City Manager Lance Willard asks residents to observe Community Energy Savings Day protocol today and Friday, when demand for electricity is expected to be high.

Columbiana customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25.

“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 city of Columbiana as low as possible,” Willard explained. “Our citizens and customers have the opportunity to make a difference in their system and their rates by conserving energy during these periods.”

To assist with conservation, customers may shut off lights when not needed; unplug small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raise the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; close curtains, drapes and blinds; do laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 4 to 6 p.m. and turn off televisions, computers, and other electronic devices when not being used.

Willard concluded, “There’s plenty of power available and our grid is in good shape, but 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.”

For future Community Energy Savings Days announcements and community news, visit columbianaohio.gov.