Energy companies in Michigan have prepared for this heat wave and are planning for the next

(CBS) – Metro Detroit suffered from its third day in a row with over 90 degrees heat on Wednesdayas the region continues to experience one of the worst heat waves in decades. So far, the power grid has held up for most residents.

When it comes to keeping power on during a heat wave, preparation is key.

“Even if we have weeks like this where temperatures rise and people have to use more energy on a sustained basis, we are definitely prepared for that,” said Tracy Wimmer, spokeswoman for Consumers Energy in Lansing. “We make sure we use the access we have this time of year as quickly as possible. We know that electricity is used in the summer because more people use air conditioning. We know that natural gas is used more in the winter. And that’s just how it works when you live in a state like Michigan.”

Utilities have entire teams monitoring the weather, sending teams preemptively and communicating with other states in case Michigan needs additional assistance.

Wimmer told CBS News Detroit that energy companies like Consumers Energy need to adapt for the long term.

“Knowing that weather systems are changing and we will see more extreme weather as the years go by, we need to invest now because if we don’t, it will be much worse and much more costly in the long run,” she said.

According to Wimmer, Michigan residents need to worry less about overloading the power grid and more about their own consumption and costs.

“A lot of little things can save a lot of money in the long run, like using your dishwasher or your dryer or things that use a lot of energy in the morning or evening instead of the middle of the afternoon. If you use the air conditioning during the hottest time of day, those things added up can really make a big difference in your bill,” she said.