IID recently launched its summer energy conservation campaign, "Summer Traditions," which is designed to remind customers of the importance of reducing energy use during the peak hours between 1-7 pm. By reducing our consumptions during peak hours, the reliability of the energy system is supported and the need for IID to purchase energy on the open market, which is more costly during the summer, is decreased.

Below are suggestions that can be implemented to help reduce energy use during the summer months:

• Refrain from energy-intensive tasks, such as laundry and dish washing, during 1-7 p.m.
• Use pool pump during off-peak hours.
• Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
• Do only full loads when running washers, dryers or dishwashers.
• Keep heat-creating elements, such as lamps or televisions, away from the thermostat.
• Use ceiling and other fans for additional cooling and circulation. This will allow you to raise the thermostat, yet remain comfortable. It also cuts energy costs.
• Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioner or heat pump is running. Install window treatments or awnings to help keep the heat out your home.
• Upgrading thermostats to programmable models is a smart investment for the summer months. The presetting capability ensures control over the temperature and improved comfort for the family.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Please click on the link, www.iid.com/Energy/CFLLighting to learn about IID's Wise Watts Wednesdays Bulb Exchange events this summer.
• Make sure your air conditioning condenser is shaded and has sufficient room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your house. Don't crowd it with shrubs or anything else.
• Close off rooms that are not in use and the cooking ducts to those rooms.
• Make sure the cooled air coming from your air conditioning vents is not obstructed by furniture or draperies.

For more information, please call IID's Energy Management and Strategic Marketing Office at 1-800-303-7756 or (760) 482-3505.

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