UPDATE:

Just after 9 a.m. today AESO sent out an update calling off the Grid Alert due to an increase in wind and solar power.  They still ask you to conserve your electricity during peak hours tonight from 4 till 7 p.m.

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Just before 8 a.m. Monday January 15th the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) declared another Grid Alert due to the extreme cold and several power facility outages.

They are once again asking all Albertans to conserve energy during peak hours between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. tonight.

You're being asked to cut back in the following ways:

  • Turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances
  • Minimize the use of air conditioning/space heaters
  • Delay the use of major power-consuming appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers until after peak hours
  • Use cold water for washing clothes—most of the energy used goes to heating the water (only running full loads helps too)
  • Delay charging electric vehicles and/or plugging in block heaters
  • Cook with your microwave, crockpot or toaster oven instead of the stove
  • Limit the use of kitchen or bathroom ventilation fans
  • Use motion-detector lights in storage areas, garages, and outdoors when possible
  • Work on a laptop instead of a desktop computer (laptops are more energy-efficient than desktop units)

And they've offered up some tips on how you can save in some smaller ways too.

  • Unplug electric appliances when not in use, as they continue to drain energy even if they’re off (or use a power bar to cut power to multiple appliances with a single button)
  • Use ceiling fans to circulate warm/cool air to maintain a consistent temperature
  • Close your curtains/shades/blinds to cover drafty windows when it’s cold; open them on warm, sunny days to help heat your home
  • Have air conditioners/heating systems serviced on a routine basis; also, regularly clean filters
  • Identify and seal leaks around doors and windows
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