Alberta weather spikes electricity consumption summer records

For the second day in a row, Alberta has set a summer power consumption record.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)says the grid hit 10,419 megawatts of electricityat 4 p.m. MT. On Tuesday, it hit 10,413 megawatts.

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That's party due to this week's hot weather. The winter peak, however, is always higher. The all-time record was set last December with over 11,100megawatts.

Due to the hot weather, low wind and generators being offline, the electricity system is operating at near full capacity, AESO said in a release.

Typically each summer and winter, a new record is set for power usage as the number of people and businesses in Alberta continues to rise.

At times this week, prices topped $900 per megawatt on the spot market well above the normal $50 to $80 range.

Albertans are being asked to voluntarily reduce their power consumption by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances and minimizing the use of air conditioning by closing blinds and drapes during the hottest part of the day.