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The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is extending the Power Warning issued yesterday until 8:00 p.m. tonight asking consumers to reduce their use of electricity in order to alleviate the increased strain on Ontario's electricity system.
"We are looking at very high demand levels again today because of the continued heat and humidity," said Paul Murphy, Chief Operating Officer for the ESO. "Curtailment efforts help relieve the strain on the power system," added Murphy.
Power Warnings are issued by the IESO during periods of high demand for electricity, when supplies of reserve power are low. Any further reduction in transmission or generation availability or any increase in demand could create shortfalls of electricity. If all sources of supply are exhausted, the IESO will take protective actions such as a system voltage reduction, or rotating power cuts, if necessary. In these circumstances, no additional public notice may be possible.
Consumers and businesses can reduce demand on the electricity system by curtailing their use of electricity. Examples include:
-Turning off all but essential internal and external lights;
-Setting air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius or higher, or using fans as an alternative;
-Closing curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retaining cooler air inside; and
-Avoiding or limiting the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers and swimming pool pumps between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario's bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market. For more information, visit www.ieso.ca.
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