Xcel Energy is once again asking its electricity customers in Texas and New mexico to curb their electricity use because of expected high demand and limited supplies.

Residents are urged to conserve electricity use through 7 p.m., so that strain on the power grid is reduced. Xcel said it should produce enough power to meet today's demands but it said it's possible reserve margins could tighten in the afternoon as the air conditioning load rises.

"The summer of 2012 has been another record-setting summer in terms of electricity demand," said Riley Hill, president and CEO of Southwestern Public Service Company, an Xcel Energy company. "Our customers have been very helpful as we've worked together to meet these critical needs. For our part, we'll continue to invest in new power generation and transmission facilities to ensure future needs are met too."

According to the utility company, 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.