NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island school department has agreed to turn off heat in the early mornings during peak demand to relieve the strain on the system.

The Newport Daily News reports that Newport school officials say natural gas boilers in Thompson Middle School and Rogers High School will be shut down during cold snaps to alleviate some of the demand on Aquidneck Island. The buildings will be heated to 73 degrees Fahrenheit then will be turned off from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

National Grid will reimburse the school department up to $25,000 for shutting down its natural gas four to six times per winter. By agreeing to participate the school department will receive $15,000.

Thousands went without gas or heat for nearly a week after National Grid lost pressure in its lines last January.