CALGARY- As temperatures continue to soar, Albertans are being asked to power down devices so the electrical system doesn’t overload.
The Alberta Electrical System Operator says the system is operating at near full capacity due to hot weather, low wind and generators being offline.
Enmax suggests the following measures for conserving power during hot weather:
- Close blinds and curtains on south and west facing windows to help limit the sun’s ability to heat up your house.
- Wash your clothes in cold water when possible – as much as 30 per cent of a washing machine’s energy usage goes towards heating the water.
- Hot, dry days are perfect for hanging clothes to dry outside. Set up a clothesline or a drying rack and you’ll almost eliminate the need to use the dryer.
- If you do need to use the dryer, throw a large dry towel in with your wet clothes. The towel will absorb some of the moisture and help cut drying time.
- Barbecue more. Maybe the best tip of all, but stoves and ovens are major sources of heat, so here’s another excuse to fire up the grill this summer.
READ MORE: It’s a scorcher! How Calgarians are coping with the hot weather
When asked if there was any concern of rolling brownouts, a spokesperson for the AESO said “the system is experiencing very high demand, wind is low and two coal plants are out,” but added that there was still a healthy reserve. “At this point we are good but our system controllers are monitoring the system very closely.”
The AESO will be posting updates on Twitter @theaeso and on its website.
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