Alberta Declares Grid Alert, Warns of Rotating Power Outages

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency has issued an Alberta Emergency Alert in response to extreme cold temperatures and high power demand that have put the Alberta grid at a high risk of rotating power outages. The alert, triggered by the Alberta Emergency Alert system, warns residents to immediately reduce their electricity use to essential needs only.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), responsible for overseeing the province’s power grid, declared a Grid Alert due to the ongoing extreme cold temperatures in Western Canada, restricted imports, and very high demand. The AESO projected a 100 to 200 Megawatts (MW) shortfall of electricity during peak evening hours. To minimize the potential for rotating outages, which would result in temporary power loss in different parts of the province, the AESO urges immediate power conservation.

In the event of rotating outages, Distribution Facility Owners (DFOs), such as municipalities, will be directed to reduce power on a pro-rata basis across Alberta. Each rotating outage is expected to last approximately 30 minutes at a time. Critical facilities like hospitals, fire stations, and police stations will not be affected by these outages.

Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf, released a statement calling on all Albertans to reduce their electric demand immediately. Neudorf explained that extreme weather in Saskatchewan and British Columbia has also impacted electricity sharing and contributed to the high risk of rotating outages.

This is the second grid alert issued by the AESO in less than 24 hours. The previous alert was due to extreme cold temperatures, two large natural gas generator outages, and very low renewable power. The AESO activated its emergency grid management plan to work with local distribution utilities and avoid potential rolling brownouts.