COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — People can lower their electric bills this summer by adjusting their thermostats and turning off lights and devices they’re not using.

The Nebraska Public Power District offered several tips to help reduce bills.

Energy efficiency supervisor Steve Zach says air conditioning represents up to 70 percent of most Nebraskans’ summer electric bills, so setting the thermostat at a higher temperature can make a big difference.

Zach says setting the temperature between 78 and 82 degrees while away from home lets the air conditioner rest more.

Using a ceiling fan can make it feel 4 degrees cooler without cooling the entire home.

Turning off lights and electronic devices when they’re not being used also helps.

Cooking with a microwave or grill instead of an oven reduces the amount of heat generated.