We posted about the new warning system for the condition of state's power grid last month. Due to the continuation of high temperatures throughout the state, the alert has stayed primarily on yellow indicating that conservation is needed.

On yellow days, extra conservation measures are urged because of a chance that electricity shortages may occur during the peak usage hours. A Yellow Alert will be declared for days where temperatures statewide are expected to be extremely hot, leading to record or near-record electricity consumption. The Yellow Alerts are also declared if some combination of unexpectedly high electricity demand and unexpected outages of power plants occur and cause a greater than normal chance of shortages. Consumers are encouraged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible during the peak electricity usage hours from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tips to follow during Yellow Alerts include turning off all unnecessary lights and electronic equipment. If you are home during the peak period, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans to cool the air. PowerfulAdvice also suggests not using your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances during those peak hours, and setting your pool pump to run in the early morning or the evening.

Visit the PowerfulAdvice alert page for more energy saving suggests and to see the current alert status.

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, a unit of CenterPoint Energy Inc., announced last week that it has reached a settlement in a rate case before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The settlement will reduce the company's electric base rate revenues by $58 million per year and will commit CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric to increase its energy efficiency spending by $10 million annually. The settlement also freezes electric delivery rates until June 30, 2010. In addition, CenterPoint will fund $10 million per year for programs providing financial assistance to qualified low-income customers in its service territory. The company expects to implement the new base rates, to increase its energy efficiency spending and to begin the agreed funding for financial assistance programs later this fall, following approval of the settlement by the PUC.

Read more about CenterPoint Energy in their company newsroom.