By Lethbridge News Now (Geoff Smith)

Heat pushes Alberta to summer peak power record

Jul 19, 2018 | 10:58 AM

This week’s scorching heat pushed electrical demand to a new summer record in Alberta.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) said the province set a new summer peak record of 11,099 MW Tuesday, July 17 between 4-5 p.m. The previous record, set last year, was 10,852 MW.

AESO spokesperson Dawn Delaney said it’s typical to set a new summer record during July. But we use more power still in the wintertime.

“Lots of additional usage on the grid at this time of year with air conditioners,” Delaney said, “whereas in the winter it’s typically during a sustained cold snap and typically during holiday time when there’s extra lighting load on the grid.”

Delaney added the winter peak, set this past January, was 11,697 MW.

2024 Spring Rocket League Tournament

St. Patrick's Community School Esports team wins top spot in national tournament

9h ago

update

Mistrial declared in case against Red Deer massage therapist

14h ago

Rev it!

City of Red Deer offers free decibel reading event this Saturday

14h ago

She stresses there was no risk of running short of supply.

“It’s fair to say that things were tight but manageable. In no way were we dealing with a supply shortfall situation. But we certainly were importing from all three of the inter-ties that are connected here in Alberta (Saskatchewan, B.C., Montana).”

If there had been a supply shortfall, Delaney stressed AESO would have been prepared and has extensive procedures. Part of that plan encourages conservation through reduced usage of appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers during the late afternoon peak hours.