(KLZA)-- Record temperatures are predicted for Thursday and as energy usage rises, so will monthly electric bills. 
The Nebraksa Public Power District is offering some simple steps that can be taken to help lower energy usage during the hot summer temperatures forecast throughout this week and in the future:
· Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. If 78 degrees is too high for you, keep in mind you'll save around 5 to 10 percent on cooling costs for every two degrees you raise the temperature. 
Use ceiling and box fans to provide continuous circulation of air in a room. This creates the wind chill effect whereby the body feels cooler than the room temperature. Run the fans only when the room is occupied.
· Limit using heat-generating appliances such as the oven, stove and dishwasher until the cooler hours of the day or night. 
Do chores such as cooking, cleaning, ironing and laundry during the cooler early morning and evening hours to avoid home heat buildup. Using a microwave or grilling outside can also help.
· Unplug electronics, gadgets, and chargers, and turn off computers, monitors and lights that aren’t being used. Much of the energy from a light bulb is heat.
· If your thermostat is located in a hallway with bedrooms, open the doors. Closed doors prevent air movement around the thermostat, which can provide a false reading that causes your AC to run longer than needed.
· Close curtains, blinds and/or shades to prevent the sunlight from warming up the room. Make sure furniture or drapes do not block your registers for supply and return air. 
Additional energy saving tips can be found at nppd.energywisenebraska.com.