At approximately 3 pm, Alberta demand set an all-time new summer record peak of 9,552 MW, breaking the previous record of 9,541 MW set on August 18, 2008. Hot weather was the driving factor.
The Alberta Electric System Operator reassured consumers that the province’s generators, operating at or near maximum capacity, were able to meet demand. He noted that further supply was also available from the interties, and from additional capacity in the province.
The heaviest demand for electricity in Alberta typically occurs in the winter and is most frequently attributed to the combined factors of cold weather, reduced daylight hours and increased demand for lighting. The peak winter record of 10,236 MW was set on On December 14, 2009. The province’s demand for power has increased 31 per cent since 2000. Despite this significant growth, no major upgrades have occurred in more than 20 years. These conditions are straining the system, pushing it to operate near its limit, and underline the need to reinforce the transmission system, observers said.