CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – June 29, 2013) – The Alberta Electric System Operator is asking all Albertans to voluntarily reduce their use of electricity this weekend as hot weather throughout the province has increased demand. In addition, a number of generators are out of service for planned and unplanned maintenance, and wind generation is very low. The AESO is importing electricity from B.C. and Saskatchewan to help meet demand.
The AESO’s system controllers monitor the electricity grid 24 hours per day, seven days per week, working collaboratively with transmission facility owners, distribution facility owners and power generation owners to ensure that even during times of high demand, contingency plans are in place and reserves are available to meet the electricity demands of the province.
Hot temperatures are expected to continue for the next several days and Albertans can help during this time when demand for electricity is high. Albertans can voluntarily conserve energy throughout the peak summer period by:
- Turning off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances;
- Minimizing the use of air conditioning;
- Closing blinds, shades or drapes during the hottest part of the day; and,
- Running major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers and washers and dryers during off-peak hours (after 7 p.m.).
As an independent system operator, the AESO leads the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of Alberta’s interconnected power system. The AESO also facilitates Alberta’s fair, efficient and openly competitive wholesale electricity market, which in 2012 had 170 participants and approximately $6.4 billion in annual energy transactions.
