Press release: Xcel asks customers curb electricity use

AMARILLO — Xcel Energy is asking electric customers in its Texas and New Mexico service territory to conserve energy because of expected high electric demand and limits in generation capacity today.

The utility company urges consumers to limit their power use through 7 p.m. in order to reduce the strain on the power grid. Xcel Energy should produce enough power to meet demand today, but it is possible that reserve margins could tighten as air conditioning load rises in the afternoon hours.

Customers can help avoid power emergencies by:

• Turning off unneeded lights, computers and appliances.

• Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher at home.

• Turning up the thermostat to 85 degrees before leaving home.

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