AESO asks Albertans to reduce use of power

CALGARY, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - With the long weekend fast approaching, and a weather forecast that includes above average temperatures across the province, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is encouraging Albertans to conserve energy throughout this period of high electricity demand.

"Our forecasts are indicating that supply on the grid will be tight, and we anticipate that electricity consumption will be high," says Mike Law, Vice President of Operations. "We are asking Albertans to help decrease overall demand on the grid by voluntarily reducing their use of electricity."

A combination of warm weather, a lack of wind, and a planned outage on the British Columbia intertie that is preventing Alberta from having the ability to import power through its largest interconnection, has prompted the AESO to issue this friendly reminder to Albertans.

With hot temperatures expected to continue for the next several days, Albertans can conserve energy 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.).

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.

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.

SOURCE: Alberta Electric System Operator

Dawn Delaney
Cell: 403-671-6129   Pager: 403-515-9450
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