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December 8, 2009
(Red Deer, Alberta) – The recent deep freeze that hit our province resulted in breaking a new power consumption record last night. Electricity use reached an all-time high of 136.9 megawatts at 5:30 p.m. yesterday, surpassing the record of 136.4 MW set on December 15, 2008.
Electric Light & Power Manager, Ligong Gan, said, “The increased demand resulted from frigid temperatures, reduced daylight hours and increased lighting due to the holiday season. With a week of frigid temperatures ahead we are asking residents of Red Deer to be frugal with their energy use during peak hours.“
While the power supply remains secure, people should attempt to limit their power use between the peak periods of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. That power primetime is when the grid sees the most demand and if you can wait hold off until later in the evening to turn on Christmas lights or plug in vehicles.
There are numerous ways to keep power consumption down when the power grid is stressed from increased demand.
- Adjust your load: Try to use major appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers during off-peak hours (after 7 p.m. on weeknights or on weekends) when demand is lower.
- Use efficient holiday lighting, consider putting your holiday lighting display on a timer so that it turns off when everyone goes to bed or invest in more efficient LED strings of light bulbs.
- Turn down electric heat, if your home is heated by electricity, turn down the temperature a few degrees and consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. If you are a little chilly, layer on a sweater.
“This is typically the time of year when the Alberta electric system sets a new peak demand for power", said Gan.
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For more information, please contact:
Ligong Gan
Manager, Electric Light & Power
The City of Red Deer
(403) 341-8341
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