Saskatchewan sets new power usage record

REGINA – The colder temperatures have arrived in Saskatchewan and with them, a new record for power use.

On Monday night Saskatchewan set a new peak record load when it reached 3,640 megawatts (MW). Last winter’s peak was 3,628 which was set on January 8th.

“We’ve had a relatively mild start to winter this year, but as expected we continue to set new records for power consumption,” said Mike Marsh, SaskPower President and CEO.

“In order to make sure our customers have access to the reliable, cost-effective power they depend on, we’ll continue to work hard to renew our equipment and bring innovative power supply options to Saskatchewan”

New peak records have been set in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, twice in 2015, and now in 2016.

READ MORE: SaskPower annual report shows record demand for power

To lighten the load and curb their power bills this winter, SaskPower customers can try the following to save money:

• Turn down the thermostat. Changing the temperature of your home by even a few degrees can make a big difference. For every degree you lower your thermostat overnight for an eight-hour period, you can save up to two per cent on your heating costs.
• Plug in your car with a timer. Your car only needs to be plugged in for four hours. Use a block heater timer to save around $25 a year.
• Turn out the lights. Shorter days and longer nights mean interior lights in your home are on longer. Remember to turn out the lights when you leave a room. Better yet, cut down the power they use by about three quarters by using LED light bulbs.
• Customers on equalized payments should keep an eye on their bills and any balance being carried, to avoid one large bill at the end of the year.

Customers for SaskPower also continue to climb – in 2015 8,300 new customers were added.