With meterologists predicting another week of above average temperatures in southern Ontario, Toronto Hydro is urging its customers to reduce electricity consumption where possible.

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures to be in the low 30s through most of the week while Tuesday and Wednesday temps are expected to reach the mid-thirties range of between 34 and 35C.

Toronto Hydro are expecting an increase in the use of air conditioners which places added pressure on the utility's system. According to the utility company, A/C can account for up to 50% of one's hydro bill.

A media advisory issued earlier today from Toronto Hydro says in part that conservation by Toronto's business and residential communities is an important piece of the overall electricity management effort, especially during heat waves. Prolonged heat waves strain electricity distribution systems because ambient air temperatures do not cool transformers and cables sufficiently. This can lead to localized service interruptions.

Hydro Toronto is asking all customers to look for ways to reduce use, especially at the peak times of mid to late afternoon which represents the point in time during the day when the City's homes, businesses and infrastructure is drawing the most power from the provincial grid.

Customers should look to conserve energy in other ways such as hanging clothes to dry or using microwave ovens.