Austin Utilities has issued a peak energy alert until 8 p.m. Wednesday because of extreme heat. It urges residents to reduce energy usage until 8 p.m. this eventing.

Reducing air conditioner use, shutting off lights, or running the dishwasher later in the evening or early morning are all ways to reduce energy usage.

This is not a request for facilities to turn off electrical loads that would affect the performance of employees or equipment. It is not meant to lower production output. It is only a request to turn off non-essential loads during the peak hours today.