HAMILTON, Ontario, July 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The heat wave that has been scorching southern Ontario over the past few days, along with today’s record temperature, have increased electricity consumption in Alectra Utilities’ service territory resulting in the municipally-owned utility reaching a milestone today for peak demand.
Alectra’s System Control at 3 p.m. reported an electricity peak demand level for its service territory of 5,056 megawatts (MW), exceeding the previous peak demand record of 4,666 MW set on September 25, 2017.
Peak demand for an electric utility’s service territory occurs at a point in time when total consumption by residential and business customers is at its highest level. Increased electricity consumption during heat waves is mostly driven by air conditioning use.
The peak demand record for Alectra Utilities’ service territory may increase even further if temperatures continue to rise during the day.
Conservation programs offered by Alectra and its predecessor utilities to homes and businesses over the last few years have played a significant role in preventing consumption levels from being even higher. In 2017 alone, customer adoption of Alectra conservation programs helped to achieve electricity savings in the utility’s service territory of 190 gigawatt (GWh) hours, enough to power 21,000 typical homes for a year.
“When you consider the successive days of above 30 degree temperatures we have been experiencing, it’s easy to see why a peak demand record was set today within our service territory,” explained Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. “We want everyone to stay safe and cool but at the same time be energy efficient.”
Alectra offers these simple conservation tips to help reduce electricity consumption:
- Make use of a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature
- Make use of ceiling and portable fans to circulate air
- Hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer
- Use curtains or blinds to shade windows on hot sunny days
About Alectra Utilities Corporation
Alectra Utilities Corporation serves approximately one million homes and businesses across an 1,800 square kilometre service territory comprising 15 communities including Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Brampton, Bradford, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. The Alectra family of companies includes Alectra Inc., Alectra Utilities Corporation and Alectra Energy Solutions.
Media Contact: Rachel Bertone, Media Spokesperson
rachel.bertone@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 647.339.3826 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIALN