Electricity Conservation & Grid Alerts

Electricity Conservation Tips

We can all contribute during peak demand hours (Summer: 5 to 9:30 p.m., Winter: 4 to 7 p.m.): 

• Turn off unnecessary lights, ventilation fans and appliances 
• Reduce air conditioning or heater use 
• Delay running energy-intensive appliances (e.g., washers, dryers) until off-peak hours 
• Postpone charging electric vehicles or plugging in block heaters 
• Use a microwave, crockpot, or toaster oven instead of the stove 

Small actions add up, regardless of the time of day: 

• Wash clothes with cold water and full loads 
• Use a laptop instead of a desktop for improved efficiency 
• Opt for motion-sensor lights in garages or outdoor areas 
• Unplug devices when not in use or use power bars to shut off multiple devices 
• Use ceiling fans to maintain consistent temperature 
• Adjust curtains or blinds to retain heat in winter and block sunlight in summer 
• Perform regular maintenance on HVAC systems and clean filters 
• Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent air leaks 

Grid Alerts

A Grid Alert is issued when the power system is experiencing tight supply conditions and we’re using emergency reserves to meet demand. Different factors contribute stress to the power system including: 

• Extreme temperatures that increase demand for heating or cooling 
• Time of day or wind conditions impacting solar or wind generation. 
• Unplanned outages at generation facilities. 
• Uncontrollable events like lightning or downed power lines.  

During a Grid Alert AESO System Controllers and Industry Partners take action to maintain reliability that may include:  

• using emergency reserves; 
• reducing or suspending exports or energy sales; 
• cancelling transmission maintenance; 
• implementing voluntary curtailment programs (participants are asked to reduce their energy use to predetermined levels); 
• requesting emergency imports; and, 
• as a last option, initiate temporary rotating power outages.