With near-record temperatures yesterday, the Saskatchewan power grid registered a peak power demand of 3,360 megawatts (MW), beating the previous summer record of 3,331 MW. The increase of 29 MW over the last peak represents the power use of approximately 29,000 homes.

"As power demand continues to rise in our province, we're seeing more and more records being set," said SaskPower Vice-President of Transmission and Industrial Services Kory Hayko. "The winter peak record is still higher at 3,747 MW, but year-over-year we're seeing the summer peak close the gap. This can be attributed to the increasing year-round demand from each individual household and business. The technology we use every day is getting more complex and using more power. That's why we're committed to growing the province's power grid, in a responsible and cost-effective way."

To meet the growing demand, SaskPower is continuing to update and expand the power grid, while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. SaskPower will double its renewable capacity from 25 per cent today to as much as 50 per cent by 2030. Notably, the company is currently in the request for proposal stage for procurement of 200 MW of wind power and 10 MW of utility-scale solar power; and has recently signed power purchase agreements for geothermal and landfill-waste heat electricity.

Cooling and heating represents approximately a quarter of residential power bills. To reduce consumption and power bills during heat waves, SaskPower's customers can turn down (or program) the air conditioning when no one is home. Changing the temperature by even a few degrees can make a big difference. For every degree that air conditioning is lowered for an eight-hour period, customers can save up to two per cent on their power costs. Customers may also consider having their air conditioning unit inspected. Air conditioners may not remove humidity as they should or operate as efficiently if the system is not the right size for the space, or the airflow is incorrect. A licensed contractor can check an air conditioning system to make sure it is operating efficiently. #PowerToGrow

At a glance...

• Saskatchewan's new summer peak record of 3,360 MW was achieved at 3:01 p.m. on July 10
• Winter peak still higher, but the gap is closing
• Visit saskpower.com for tips on power conservation