- Alberta forced to rely on reserves to run grid
- AESO issued a Level 2 alert
- Alberta heatwave pushed demand to record highs
On Wednesday, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) issued a Level 2 Alert, meaning that reserves were being used to supply energy requirements and that load management procedures had been implemented. Multiple factors led to a supply shortage forcing a level 2 alert which ended at 6:06 p.m.
“This is due to unplanned generator outages, low wind and a reduction of import capability,” the agency said in a post to social media. “Supply is tight but still meeting demand.”
AESO Spokesperson, Mike Deising, said challenges with the Saskatchewan intertie and the British Columbia side of the border meant the province couldn’t import power. ”There are no blackouts … this just means we’re using our reserve power, and that’s a standard procedure we’ll deploy”, he said.
A heat warning was issued Wednesday for Edmonton and surrounding areas shortly before 4 p.m., with temperatures above 29 degrees celsius expected over the next three days. As a result, AESO has asked customers to reduce their energy consumption between peak hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.