Limit air conditioning use, ACT warned

Canberra residents are being reminded to reduce their electricity use as the temperature rises to 40 degrees in the national capital.

They've been told to limit air conditioning by not going below 26 degrees and turning off all unnecessary lighting, the emergency services agency says.

Using dishwashers, dryers and vacuum cleaners should also be avoided to limit non-essential electricity use especially during the afternoon peak period.

"The ACT has been advised due to the potential for record high electricity demand across NSW because of the extreme heat conditions there may be minor supply shortfalls across the network," the ESA warned on Friday.

The temperature in Canberra hit 37.7 degrees at 1pm, according to the Bureau of Meteroology.

A total fire ban is in place for the ACT on Friday and Saturday.