AUSTIN -- Texas' hot summer weather is leading to record electricity use and a call for conservation.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said it set a new record Wednesday afternoon as consumers used an hourly average of 62,786 megawatts of power between 4 and 5 p.m. That broke the record of 62,339 megawatts set on Aug. 17, 2006.

A megawatt is enough electricity to power about 200 average homes during hot summer weather.

ERCOT is the electric grid operator for much of the state.

ERCOT officials said they expected continued high electricity demand Thursday, and urged consumers and businesses to reduce their usage during peak hours of 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Businesses and consumers are encouraged to do the following.

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.

Austin set a record Wednesday with a high of 106 at Camp Mabry, breaking the record of 105 set in 1939. The high of 105 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport broke the record of 102 set in 1956.