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It's a state mandate that's part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cutting sales isn't easy, as demand for electricity has gone up by 2 percent to 5 percent a year.
One way the utilities are helping consumers cut back is by performing home energy audits, but there are questions as to whether residents follow through on the recommendations.
Another way is by getting homeowners' permission to control an air conditioner's cycle during peak electricity use.
Crystal Manik of Xcel Energy said the utility offers customers in the program a discount on their summer electric bills.
