Albertans break power consumption record again

Albertans are being asked to curb their electricity use after power consumption hit an all-time high this week.

Electricity use peaked at 9,701 megawatts Monday at 6 p.m. breaking last year's record of 9,661 megawatts, according to the Alberta Electric System Operator, which oversees the electrical system.

The heaviest demand for electricity happens during winter months when there are long cold spells and fewer hours of daylight. An AESO spokeswoman said the record peak came earlier than usual this year, and she expects to see two or three more of them before Christmas.

Ally Taylor said there are electricity reserves to dip into if necessary but called on Albertans to cut back on their consumption.

"Turn off your Christmas lights. You'd be surprised how many people leave them on in the evening," she said.

"Maybe consider putting a timer on your in-car heater, your block heater, so it doesn't run the entire night long."

Taylor also suggested not using large appliances such as dishwashers until after 7 p.m.

Alberta's population and industry growth has led to a new record for electricity consumption every year for the last five years, she said.

"The big thing you see in Alberta is a lot more industrial load. It used to be just load during the day that went off at night. But now with all the oilsands and all that additional industry, the load is now running day and night, 24 hours a day."