BALTIMORE (July 22, 2016) – As several days of 90 degree temperatures grip the region, customers may use more energy to cool their homes. With the current heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend, BGE anticipates a possible Energy Savings Day for Monday, July 25, and provides tips to help customers manage their energy use.

Here are steps that customers can take to make a difference:

• Turn it off: Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
• Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. If health permits, raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed: About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat in your home.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air: For those without air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home. For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air.
• Use appliances wisely: Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.

Customers also should always put safety first - check on elderly neighbors and relatives during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Higher temperatures can lead to higher energy bills, and BGE provides a variety of programs to help customers save energy and money. For example, BGE’s Smart Energy Savers Program®, the company’s full suite of energy efficiency programs, helps residential, business, government and non-profit customers save energy and money. For more ways to save energy, visit www.bgesmartenergy.com.

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