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State energy officials are asking Texas residents to conserve power after homes and businesses set a new electricity consumption record today

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said Texas consumers used an hourly average of 62,786 megawatts (MW) of power between 4 and 5 p.m. Wednesday.

That exceeds the previous all-time peak of 62,339 MW set on Aug. 17, 2006 by 447 MW.

Authorities attribute increased demand to increased air conditioning use due to 100 degree temperatures and heat advisories across the state.

High electricity demand is expected through the week. Home and businesses are encouraged to continue conserving their electric use during peak hours from 3 to 7 p.m.

Businesses and consumers are encouraged to:

•         Set air conditioning thermostats to 80 degrees or higher
•         Cool with fans
•         Close blinds and drapes on windows that get direct sun
•         Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment
•         Avoid using big appliances between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m. 

See more conservation tips at the Public Utility Commission of Texas website.  

Click here for a copy of ERCOT's energy use matrix