Alberta on track to break energy use record for second straight day after 'unprecedented jump': AESO

EDMONTON -

 

The operator of Alberta's electric grid called on Albertans to help conserve energy while the province remained in the grips of a heat wave.

“Yesterday we saw an unprecedented jump in energy use, reaching 11,512 MW, beating our previous summer peak demand record of 11,169 MW,” Alberta Electric System Operator's (AESO) Dennis Frehlich said in a news release. “We’re on track to break that record for a second day in a row and so we’re asking Albertans to play their part to conserve energy.”

AESO issued an emergency energy alert on Tuesday at 4:34 p.m. until 6:09 p.m.

Earlier on Tuesday, an official with the AESO told CTV News that air conditioner use was the driving factor behind the record energy consumption.

"We were surprised by how high demand went," AESO's Leif Sollid said. "We thought it would be better to be proactive and alert Albertans to the need to conserve energy earlier in the day."

The AESO says conserving energy use should help ensure adequate supply is available and reduce the possibility of power outages.

According to Sollid, the peak time for electricity use in Alberta is between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The AESO is also reminding Albertans to keep window coverings closed during the day and to pre-cool air conditioned homes.

"(Avoid) using major appliances and charging electric devices," said Frehlich, "including electric vehicles, during the period of highest demand." 

Sollid said the need for rolling blackouts is unlikely right now, but added the province will probably need to use its reserve power on Tuesday.

"We're still importing electricity," he said, "so we're in OK shape, but things are getting pretty tight."

The province's highest peak of energy use was in the wintertime when 11,729 MW was used in one day; a number Sollid said Alberta could reach on Tuesday.