Energy Conservation
Different factors contribute to tight supply conditions and the use emergency reserves to meet demand, including:
- Extreme temperatures that increase demand for heating or cooling
- Time of day or wind conditions impacting solar or wind generation
- Unplanned transmission disruption or generation facility outages
- Uncontrollable events like severe weather or downed power lines
During grid condition changes, 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, where participants reduce energy use to predetermined levels
- Requesting emergency imports
- Initiating temporary rotating power outages as a last resort
Energy Conservation Tips
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Summer
Summer Peak Hours (5:00 - 9:30 p.m.)
- Delay running energy-intensive appliances (e.g., washers, dryers) until off-peak hours
- Postpone charging electric vehicles
- Use a microwave, air fryer or slow cooker instead of an electric stove
- Turn off unnecessary lights, ventilation fans and appliances
- Reduce air conditioning
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 block sunlight in summer
- Perform regular maintenance on HVAC systems and clean filters
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent air leaks
-
Winter
Winter Peak Hours (4:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
- 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, air fryer or slow cooker instead of an electric stove
- Turn off unnecessary lights, ventilation fans and appliances
- Lower the thermostat
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
- Adjust curtains or blinds to retain heat in winter
- Perform regular maintenance on HVAC systems and clean filters
- Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent air leaks
