NEW YORK, NY June 06, 2008 —Con Edison says it's ready for New Yorkers to crank up their air conditioners and fans during the expected heat wave this weekend. The utility says it's spent $1.7 billion upgrading electric cables and installing new transformers to meet summertime demand.

Con Ed estimates most customers will see their bulls go up an average of 13 percent this summer, because of a recent rate hike and increased electricity usage. Spokesman Joe Petta says customers can take steps to reduce those bills.

PETTA: One of the best things anyone can do before they turn on their air conditioner is clean the filter. A clean filter will help your air conditioner to run more efficiently.

REPORTER: Despite the high cost of fuel, demand for electricity is expected to grow by one to two percent.