Record power use in Alberta driven by holiday preparations

Albertans have set arecord for electricity usage, surging past old highswhilepreparingfor the holidays.

Albertans used a record 9,661 megawatts of electricity on Nov. 28, up from 9,580 megawatts in 2005.

Not only wasAlbertaunder a cold snap, but more people are living inthe provincethan ever before. As well, consumption typically peaks a few weeks before Christmas, said Ally Sutherland,spokeswoman for the Alberta Electric System Operator, which oversees the electrical system.

"Kids are still in school, so that's electricity usage. People are out in the malls shopping," said Sutherland."People are plugging in all their Christmas lights. And they're placing heavy demands on their domestic appliances —they're doing the Christmas baking, they've got the laundry going.

"All of that combined places a big demand on the electricity system."

On Nov. 28, the peak was hit between 5 and 6 p.m. local time.

Sutherland says the record is usually setby 6 p.m.because it's dark outside and many people are just getting home, switching on lights and preparing dinner.

No blackouts planned

Alberta has sufficient electricity to meet demand,said Sutherland.

"We do have adequate power supply to meet the needs of all Albertans. And we do have proactive means of monitoring the usage to ensure that we always keep supply and demand in check and keep the lights on."

A new power line to connect generating plants in the Edmonton area and the growing market of Calgary is in the works to ensurethe supply keeps pace withAlberta's economy and population, she said.