(KTTS News) — Springfield City Utilities says a new peak electric demand was set Monday.

CU says things are trending towards surpassing the peak from 2022.

Excessive heat is expected to place a strain on the electric system this week.

There’s an Excessive Heat Warning in effect through Thursday night.

The National Weather Service says the heat index could approach 120 degrees each day.

CU is reminding people they can help conserve energy and save money by doing the following:

• Use a smart thermostat to adjust the setting at night and when no one is home. Keep your home warmer than normal when you are away.
• Change or clean the filters in the air handler at least twice during the cooling season. On the outside unit, keep the fins and coils free from leaves, dust and grass clippings and other debris.
• Close drapes and shades during the day to keep out the heat from the sun – especially on the south and west sides.
• Turn ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cool air down.
• Keep cool air from heading out an exterior door by placing a draft stopper to block gaps at the threshold, adding weather stripping inside door frames, or attaching a door seal to the bottom of the door.
• Cook with small appliances. Ovens release heat that makes it harder to keep your home cool. Try cooking with appliances that use less energy, such as microwaves, crockpots, or an air fryer.
• Replace heat producing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
• Check to make sure your fireplace damper is tightly closed.
• Call 1-888-863-9001 or log onto your My Account portal to report a power outage.