PARKER, Armstrong County — The Central Electric Cooperative is urging its members to conserve energy, especially between 1 and 6 p.m., the usual peak period for the cooperative.

Members are asked to turn off all nonessential electric items, especially lighting, dehumidifiers and pool pumps, and to set air conditioners at a minimum of 78 degrees.

If the co-op can reduce electricity purchased during peak periods, it helps to keep energy costs down for members.

The CEC serves about 25,000 persons in portions of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Forest, Mercer and Venango counties.