Xcel Energy Urging Customers to Conserve Energy Through Tuesday Evening

Xcel Energy is warning customers in Texas and New Mexico service area to conserve energy today through 7 p.m.

Xcel is expecting high electricity demand and an unplanned generation outage. Extremely high electricity demand across a wide region has tightened power supplies, and a major Xcel Energy generating unit is down for unplanned repairs until later this evening.

The utility company urges consumers to limit their power use 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 prevent 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.

·        Using major appliances and equipment after 7 p.m., when power demand is lower.