Heat affecting energy and relief work

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)--An electric company plans to ask members to limit electric usage during peak hours while an organization that helps people stay cool has been swamped with calls.  It's all in preparation of Thursday's 101 degree high.

Leaders with Northeastern REMC say the higher temperatures mean air conditioners and appliances have to work that much harder.  They will most likely be asking customers to limit electric usage between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday.

"This is for economic purposes," said Gregg Kiess, CEO of Northeastern REMC.  "[It] helps reduce the demand and reduce the billing components to us.  Again, it goes back to saving costs for our members."

Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) hands out air conditioners to people qualifying for relief.  Leaders say they have a little more than 60 units left and receive 200 to 250 calls a day from people wanting one.

"They have to be at risk, which is either elderly defined as 60 or older, disabled, or children five and under," said Marianne Stanley, family support services manager for CANI.  "Every other phone call is, 'How can I get an air conditioner?'"

Kiess said a large way to cut back on electricity usage is not running your washer and dryer during peak hours.