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November 23, 2010
The recent deep freeze that is hitting our province is resulting in a higher than normal power consumption. Electricity use reached a high of 135 megawatts last night, and with the cold temperatures expected to continue, The City is requesting residents to reduce their power consumption to alleviate the stress on the system.
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 more frigid temperatures ahead we are requesting 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 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 dish washers during off-peak hours (after 7p.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.
- Use a timer for the plug-ins of your vehicle. You only need to turn on the engine block heater a couple of hours before use.
“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
403-342-8274
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