COACHELLA, Calif. — An excessive heat warning issued throughout Riverside County valleys prompted the Imperial Irrigation District to issue a "conserve alert" Wednesday that will be in place until Friday, urging people to reduce their energy use.

Customers were encouraged to conserve energy in the peak evening hours of 4 to 9 p.m. for the next three days, as the demand for power could outstrip supply.

Conserve alerts are issued when electrical demand is high, which generally occurs during heat waves.

According to the National Weather Service, hot and dry weather will also create elevated fire conditions across the mountains, valleys and deserts this week. High temperatures in Palm Springs are expected to climb to 113 degrees on Wednesday and 116 on Thursday.

The IID encouraged customers to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances, turn off unnecessary lights, unplug or turn off unused electrical devices, keep blinds and drapes closed, and use floor or ceiling fans when possible.

The utility provides power to La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes and other unincorporated areas, as well as small parts of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells.

More information can be found here.