The Associated Press

It is so hot in Texas that record amounts of energy are being used — and the state is asking people to turn off their lights and go easy on their air conditioners.

The energy guidelines, put forth by the Texas Public Utility Commission, ask Texans to conserve energy especially between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., when electricity usage typically peaks.

Some utilities have been making similar requests for weeks, but on Wednesday, the state saw its highest electricity usage ever, as air-conditioners were cranked up in the stifling weather.

The state’s suggested guidelines:

• Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment. • When at home, close blinds and drapes that get direct sun, set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and use fans to cool the air. • When away from home, set air conditioning thermostats to 85 degrees and turn all fans off before you leave. Block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on windows that will get direct sun. • Do not use your dishwasher, laundry equipment, hair dryers, coffee makers, or other home appliances. • Avoid opening refrigerators or freezers more than necessary. Use microwaves for cooking instead of an electric range or oven. • Set your pool pump to run in the early morning or evening instead of the afternoon.

The conservation requests come after the state legislature failed to pass a number of bills that would have increased production of solar power and created incentives for energy efficiency.

Some efficiency advocates were displeased.

“What is this, socialism? We all have to join in and give up something?” said John Berger, the chief executive of Houston-based Standard Renewable Energy, a company that helps homeowners with energy efficiency and solar power. “Every person who’s a Republican ought to be screaming bloody murder about this.”

Texas, Mr. Berger said, “certainly could have been way more encouraging of energy efficiency, but we have nobody to blame ourselves.”

During the legislative session that ended a month ago, a bill failed at that last minute which would have increased energy efficiency requirements and also — crucially — boosted funding for them, according to David Power of Public Citizen Texas, a consumer and environmental advocacy group.

Also falling short were bills that would have set efficiency standards for appliances such as water coolers, and a bill that would have established a more energy-efficient building code.