MAYS LANDING, N.J. - PJM, the organization that manages the high-voltage electric grid that serves 13 states including New Jersey, has called for load reduction for today until 8 p.m. For customers voluntarily enrolled in Atlantic City Electric's Energy Wise Rewards program, a conservation period that began at 1 p.m. may now extend to 8 p.m. tonight. This means that Atlantic City Electric will cycle Energy Wise Rewards participants' air conditioner compressors off and on for short intervals during these hours. It may take up to a half-hour after the event ends for air conditioners to resume normal operations.

Because PJM requires this energy conservation period, program participants will not be able to opt out.

Customers can learn more about Energy Wise Rewards by calling 1-866-355-4229 or visiting atlanticcityelectric.com/rewards.

Atlantic City Electric asks all customers to conserve electricity during this conservation period. Customers can take simple steps:

• Set air-conditioning thermostats at 78 degrees and use an electric fan, which doesn't require as much energy, and the air will seem cooler without sacrificing comfort. Energy Wise Rewards participants do not need to adjust their thermostats, the program operators will do that automatically.

• Limit the use of electrically heated water and turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.

• Limit opening refrigerator or freezer doors.

• Avoid using high-energy appliances like electric stoves, washing machines, dishwashers and dryers until the evening.

For more information and updates, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acelecconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.