As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s in the next few months, Hamilton electric customers will be asked to conserve power.

City officials said nothing is wrong with the electric grid, they’re just trying to take every avenue to reduce costs for customers.

Hamilton customers were asked Thursday to voluntarily conserve electricity during the peak period from 3 to 6 p.m.

Doug Childs, manager of energy operations for Hamilton’s city utilities, said, “there’s plenty of power available and the grid is in great shape, but if we can conserve during these peak hours, the city can save on transmission and capacity costs next year.”

He said in 2011, the city saved $80,000 in transmission costs for 2012.

Deputy City Manager Tim Werdmann said lowering peak demand will also help keep the city’s electricity rates low as well as providing long-term stability of those rates.

Childs said the city isn’t asking anyone to make any sacrifices but said doing little things such as shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances; raising the thermostat a degree or two on your air conditioner; closing curtains, drapes and blinds during the day; doing your laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 3 to 6 p.m.; and turning off televisions, computers, radios and other electronic devices when not being used.

He said the city will be making these voluntary requests throughout the summer on days forecasted to be very hot. Childs said typically the hottest week of the year is the first full week of August.

Childs also said the city is also producing power that is sold back through the grid which eventually will be reflected in the customer’s electric rates. He said Hamilton is part of the electric grid that services Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.

The city of Hamilton owns and operates all four of the primary utilities including electric; natural gas, water, and water reclamation systems. Hamilton continues to be one of the lowest cost providers of all utility services in the region and the state.