Garden City ? Excessive heat in western Kansas could have an impact on utility bills.

The National Weather Service says there have been 16 days so far this year with highs at or above 100 degrees at the Garden City Regional Airport. Just a few miles away at the Kansas State University Southwest Research Center, 12 days of 100 or more degree highs had been recorded.

Cliff Sonnenberg, the Garden City electric superintendent, told the Garden City Telegram, that with air conditioners running as much as they have been lately, bills will likely be higher.

But he says residents can curb the potential increase by turning their thermostats higher.