(IMPERIAL, Calif.) – IID Energy is calling for a reduction in energy use especially during the critical hours between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. by residents and businesses as hotter temperatures drive record consumption today, announced Manager Glenn Steiger.

Fueled by accelerated growth in the area and high temperatures, today’s consumption of electricity is projected to be higher than at any point in IID Energy’s history.

“As a responsible, consumer-owned utility, our primary goal is to deliver reliable, affordable electricity to our customers,” Steiger continued. “If customers shift their power consumption away from the peak hours of 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and conserve throughout the day, it will alleviate pressure on the system, and help us maintain reliability and save money on their bills.”

This summer’s IID Energy “Lighten the Load” consumer education campaign has promoted several easy methods residential and business customers can employ to reduce demand during peak hours. Lowering energy usage and bills can be as simple as changing the time residential customers run their washers, dryers, dishwashers, and pool pumps, and changing their thermostat habits. By using fans with air conditioners set at 78 degrees or higher, consumers can stay cool at a lower cost.

Business owners are likewise urged to shift use of major appliances to off-peak hours, keep a close watch on thermostats, turn off lighting that is not in use, and replace inefficient incandescent lighting.

“Affordable power is part of the equation. Reliability is the other. We want to ensure our customers we offer both,” Steiger concluded.