Rising summer temperatures can lead to higher electric bills as consumers rely on their air conditioners to stay cool.

That's why OG&E Electric Services wants to remind its customers that there are plenty of ways to save energy during the summertime and throughout the year.

``The average air conditioner runs nine to 11 hours a day during the summer,'' said OG&E spokesman Brian Alford. ``But there a number of ways people can use less energy and save money.''

• Set the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature -- 76 degrees or higher -- and keep it there. Each degree a thermostat is raised can save up to 4 percent on the cost of operating an air conditioner.
• Clean or change air conditioner filters monthly. Make sure that air vents are clear of furniture or other objects that might impede airflow.
• Keep air moving in the house by using fans. A ceiling fan uses about as much electricity as a light bulb - far less than an air conditioner.
• Close the drapes and window blinds on the sunny side of the house.
• Shrink the amount of space being cooled by closing the vents and doors in rooms that are not being used.
• Cook meals and run the clothes dryer during the cooler evening and morning hours of the day.
• Use a microwave oven. It cooks much faster and uses up to 70 percent less energy than a conventional oven. It also releases far less heat into the kitchen.
• Get kids involved in the energy-saving game. With children home from school, there will be increased use of lights, computers, televisions, stereo equipment, and other electrical appliances that not only use electricity, but also generate heat. They should be turned off when they are not in use.
• Watch the fridge. A refrigerator with the door standing open uses a lot more energy than one that stays closed.
• Air-dry the dishes. Many dishwashers have ``energy saving air dry'' features. Summer is the best time to use it.
• Take advantage of OG&E's Average Billing Plan. Eligible customers can have their monthly electric bills almost equal all year. Average billing avoids the abrupt increases in electric bills that can occur during summer and winter.

OG&E customers who are having trouble paying their bills can contact The Salvation Army to inquire about available assistance. Customers who would like to help those in need are encouraged to contribute to the Lend-A-Hand program. Customers may simply add the amount they want to donate to their electric bill and write that amount in the Lend-A-Hand blank on their OG&E bill.

OG&E Electric Services, a subsidiary of Oklahoma City-based OGE Energy Corp., is a regulated electric utility serving nearly 700,000 customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. OGE Energy also is parent of Enogex Inc., a non-regulated natural gas gathering, processing and transportation company with principal operations and pipelines in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

Media Contact:

Brian Alford

Manager, Corporate Communications

405-553-3187

alfordbt@oge.com

Financial Contact:

Eric Weekes

Treasurer

405-553-3581

weekeseb@oge.com