A new record has been set when it comes to power usage in Niagara.
Today’s record temperature means more people are pumping their air conditioner units increasing electricity consumption.
Alectra says the utility has reached 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.
“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.”