The burst of hot weather is causing utility companies to ask their users to do some small things to make a big impact on their power usage.

Also called a conservative operation day by its bulk-service provider Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Sturgeon Bay Utilities customers issued an Energy Aware Day message to its customers on Tuesday with temperatures expected to be in the mid-80s and the heat index making it feel like it is in the 90s. Sturgeon Bay Utilities General Manager Jim Stawicki says it can tax the power grid, especially when people get home from work.

Stawicki adds that the area only gets a few energy-aware days a year, which can even occur during the winter months on bitterly cold days. You can limit your power usage by raising your thermostat a few degrees, using your ceiling fans, and waiting until after 7 p.m. to do some of your household chores like dishwashing and laundry. 

Picture courtesy of Sturgeon Bay Utilities