Xcel asks for customers' conservation help

Freedom New Mexico

Xcel Energy is asking its New Mexico and Texas electricity customers to conserve energy this week, especially today.

Xcel spokesman Wes Reeves said a unit at a power plant went off line for unplanned maintenance and is expected to be running again today, maybe later in the day. He said the request was precautionary and he didn’t expect problems.

Reeves said scattered power outages often occur on hot days because too many people come home and turn on all their appliances at once.

To conserve energy, according to an Xcel news release:

• Turn off unneeded lights, computers and appliances.

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

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

• Use major appliances and equipment after 7 p.m., when power demand is lower.