WATCH: How to conserve energy amid extreme heat wave
Millions of Americans were under historic heat wave conditions this week -- driving up widespread use of air conditioning and putting pressure on overloaded power grids.
High temperatures on Thursday reached 95 degrees in Salt Lake City, 99 degrees in Denver, 113 degrees in Phoenix, 115 in Las Vegas, 121 degrees in Death Valley and 122 in Palm Springs, California.
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Power-lines are shown on June 15, 2021 in Houston, Texas.
In Texas, where temperatures were slated to be in the mid- to high-90s for the majority of the week, residents were asked to cut back on energy use by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, which operates the state's electric grid.
The early heat wave has presented a potential record power use for the month of June and has resulted in tight grid conditions and forced outages, ERCOT announced on Monday.
MORE: Dangerous heat wave hits the West
"On the hottest days of the year, the electrical grid can become overwhelmed with increased energy loads to cool and dehumidify buildings," according to Harvard University's Sustainability Science Program. "When this happens the grid is forced to turn on additional, usually less efficient, power plants for extra electricity."
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Reliability Coordinator Steven Andrews monitors power use on the big screen during a tour of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) command center in Taylor, Texas, August 14, 2012.
Energy savings help combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and could translate to savings in utility bills, according to Harvard.
MORE: Texas residents asked to conserve energy by ERCOT amid heat wave
Here are the best ways to conserve energy during heat waves or peak power use:
Set the thermostat to the highest temperature possible. Every degree of cooling increases energy use by 6% to 8%, according to ERCOT. Keep the house warmer than normal when away, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect, according to the Energy Department.
Utilize spot ventilation by putting a fan in the bathroom while showering and the laundry room to remove heat and humidity from the home, according to the Energy Department.
Close window shades and blinds and consider installing window treatments that can improve energy efficiency, according to the Energy Department.
Plan high-energy use meetings or events in the morning before the hottest part of the afternoon, according to Harvard.
If you're planning on being gone for more than an hour, unplug anything that is not needed immediately, such as charging cables, computers, monitors, and printers, whenever possible, according to Harvard.Rick Bowmer/AP
Amelia Gotbetter walks along the Great Salt Lake, June 15, 2021, near Salt Lake City.