With much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region preparing for a week of record or near-record temperatures, Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and its member electric companies are urging homes and businesses to stay cool, but to use their electricity wisely.

Here are some simple, no-cost tips for keeping cool and saving money:

• Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when the house is occupied, and at 85 degrees when no one’s home.  And make sure the filter is clean.
• Leave the curtains closed on any south-facing windows.
• If available, turn on ceiling and table fans, but only while you’re in the room.
• For unused rooms, shut the door and close any air supply vents inside them.
• When possible, cook with the microwave oven instead of the regular oven.
• Turn off any lights that aren’t being used, and dim those that are, if possible. 
• Wash/dry full loads of clothes (in cold water) and dishes.

Another energy-saving tip is to visit your electric company’s Web site.  Your electric company offers a house-full of energy-saving tips and advice.  And most electric companies also have special conservation and energy-management programs and incentives.  These can include:

• Energy-efficiency rebates—Make purchasing high-efficiency appliances, including lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration, more affordable.
• Low-interest loans—Help consumers finance the purchase of high-efficiency equipment.
• Free online energy audits—Enable consumers to analyze their home energy use and get recommended adjustments right from their own computer.
• Direct load control programs—Load control programs give consumers a credit on their monthly utility bill in exchange for allowing the utility to cycle their central air conditioning unit on-and-off during peak demand periods.