Austin Utilities issued an alert Tuesday asking customers to reduce electrical use.

Until 8 p.m. Tuesday, people were asked to voluntarily cut back electrical usage by turning down the air conditioner, avoiding the oven and unplugging unnecessary appliances, among other suggestions.

The so called “peak alert” was issued due to high demand for electricity, though such an alert does not necessarily signal a forthcoming power outage.

According to Austin Utilities’ Web site, peak alerts are only issued a handful of times a year and are often triggered by extreme weather.

Temperatures were in the 80s for most of the day Tuesday but were paired with high humidity.

Typically, demand for electricity is highest between 3 and 8 p.m., when many are returning from work.

No alert was issued Wednesday. To receive future alerts or to learn more about peak alerts, visit www.austinutilities.com/pages/peakalerts.asp.