AUSTIN, Texas - The manager of the state's electric grid has issued another plea for saving energy as the Texas heat wave lingers.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas says a "vital" need for conservation exists through Tuesday. Consumers are urged to shut off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

ERCOT this month has issued several conservation pleas for its region, which includes Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Abilene and the Rio Grande Valley.\

ERCOT handles about 85 percent of the state's electric load, managing the flow of power to about 23 million customers.