The Alberta Electric System Operator says demand for power reached an all-time high for the second time this week as temperatures dipped into the minus double-digits.
AESO says Alberta's demand for electricity was 10,677 megawatts at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
"Winter is typically the time of year when we see the highest demand on Alberta's power system," said Mike Law, Vice President Operations for the Alberta Electric System Operator. "A prolonged cold front, reduced daylight hours and overall growing demand are all factors that combine to create the record electricity consumption levels we are presently experiencing."
Law says it is unusual for Alberta to hit new record peaks this early in the season. "Having this new record come so early in the winter is a clear indication that power demand in the province is increasing and will only continue to go higher as our economy grows," said Law.
AESO power facts:
- Demand fluctuates between 8,100 MW to 10,000 MW per hour on a typical winter day
- A decrease in temperature of one degree Celsius equates to an additional 23 MW of electricity consumed
- One MW of electricity serves about 1,250 homes
Tips to help save electricity:
- Running major appliances (washers, dryers, dishwashers) after 7 p.m.
- Turning off unnecessary lights
- Turning off non-essential electrical appliances
- Connecting a timer to a vehicle's block heater
AESO says Alberta's peak demand reached a high of 10,610 MW at 6 pm on November 19, breaking the previous record of 10,609 MW that was set on January 16, 2012.
The average daily pool price during the record peak on Wednesday was $35.46 on a scale of $0-$999.
