LETHBRIDGE, AB – There is a big surge in power demand as this heatwave continues to bake Alberta.
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) declared a Level 1 Energy Emergency Alert late Tuesday afternoon, saying in a tweet that “this situation is due to the heatwave driving higher demand and a decline in available generation.”
The province is setting historic and unprecedented early summer heat records which is increasing demand for power as Albertans look for ways to stay cool and beat the heat.
During this long stretch of hot weather, the AESO is asking people to try and conserve energy during peak hours between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Dennis Frehlich, Vice President of Grid Reliability for the AESO says in addition to helping conserve energy during this peak period, they’re asking Albertans to take action throughout the day. “Close window coverings, lowering thermostats to pre-cool homes and avoiding using major appliances and charging electric devices, including electric vehicles, during the period of highest demand.”
Alberta is on track to not only break heat records all this week, but to set new power consumption records too.
We have declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1 as of 4:34 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
This situation is due to the heat wave driving higher demand and a decline in available generation. Please conserve energy during peak hours 4-7p.m. #ABElectricity pic.twitter.com/H3Me92Uaae
— AESO (@theAESO) June 29, 2021
