With extreme heat expected to drive record demand for power through the next week, SaskPower is encouraging customers to take steps to reduce consumption.

“Extreme heat creates more demand for power, but it also reduces fuel efficiency and limits our ability to generate power,” said Kory Hayko, Vice President of Transmission and Industrial Services at SaskPower. “Running your air conditioner even one degree warmer will help to reduce strain on the grid, and it will save on your power bills.”

In order to reduce consumption during these extreme temperatures, SaskPower suggests that customers:

• Set air conditioning to a higher temperature, or turn it off when no one is home, or program thermostats to ensure their home is being cooled only when needed
• Close blinds and window coverings during the daytime to keep the heat out
• Delay activities that produce heat and moisture, such as dishwashing, into the evening when temperatures are cooler
• Make sure lights, televisions and other electronics are turned off when no one's in the room. A gaming console can use as much power as a refrigerator.

SaskPower recorded a new summer power demand record of 3,547 megawatts (MW) on June 30, 2021, when temperatures in much of Saskatchewan climbed into the high 30s.

For more energy saving tips and updates on SaskPower’s response to the heatwave, visit saskpower.com.

At a glance...

• The heatwave affecting much of the province this week is expected to increase demand for power.
• SaskPower customers can help to lower bills and reduce strain on the system by reducing power use.
• More information about energy conservation can be found at saskpower.com.