Newsflash: It’s hot. Damn hot. Heatwave ’06 is burning us all, and DCist wants to make sure you’re up to date on all the steamy action. Pepco reported yesterday that its’ customers set an all-time record for energy usage during peak hours, utilizing somewhere around 6,865 megawatts between 4 and 5 p.m.

The company is encouraging people to conserve energy when they can, especially doing the peak hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. They’re asking that people in offices turn off all unnecessary lighting, as they are reporting the possibility of a power surge throughout the city sometime today. Thus far the system has been able to perform without too many problems, but because there hasn’t been much repose for the systems at night, who knows how much longer before they decide to check out.

That being said, turn off those five florescent lights you have hovering above your head. And make sure to keep a flashlight handy.

Pepco is offering the following conservation tips:

*Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home, apartment or business.
*Postpone using major heat-producing appliances like electric stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until the evening hours; if possible, delay using them until the extreme heat subsides.
*Set your air-conditioner thermostat higher than usual if health permits.
*Turn off non-essential lights, appliances and equipment. This is especially important for business customers of all types.