With Toronto currently sweating through a heat wave, turning your air conditioner down, or even off, may be the last thing you want to hear.

But that’s what Toronto Hydro is suggesting, saying we’re risking grid overload, and potential blackouts, unless we endure some heat for the greater good.

“Air conditioning is what’s driving demand on our system,” said Tori Gass, Toronto Hydro. “We are asking people if they are not home during the day, turn the air conditioning off until they get home in the evening.”

Toronto Hydro says on Tuesday, we almost broke last year’s record for peak demand, and that’s putting its equipment to the test.

“Prolonged heatwaves strain electricity distribution systems because overnight temperatures don’t dip below 20ºC,” Toronto Hydro said in a release.

“The warm overnight temperatures don’t allow transformers and cables to cool sufficiently. The increased electrical load, as well as the inability for Toronto Hydro’s equipment to cool down, can cause localized power outages due to heat-related failures.”

So what can you do? Here’s some suggestions from Toronto Hydro.

Use a ceiling fan instead of air conditioning

Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioning is running

Close curtains and blinds to keep out the hot summer sun

Hang clothes to dry

Save other heat-producing activities such dishwashing for cooler evening hours after 8 p.m.

Need some inspiration?

Toronto Hydro says air conditioning accounts for 50 per cent of most summer bills, and you can pocket some cool change by sweating it out a bit. “Turn off air conditioners when (you’re not home) or set their thermostat at 25ºC for eight hours a day. Then, shift to 22ºC during off-peak hours. Doing this can save customers up to $17.60 a month,” the electric company said.