IESO Issues Power Warning

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is urging consumers to reduce power usage today in light of anticipated record heat and humidity temperatures that will put a strain on the power supply.

It is expected that Ontario will set a new record for consumption today breaking the one set on July 13, 2005 and so the IESO warning is in effect until 8:00 p.m. tonight.

The IESO says rolling Brownouts can be expected without notice if the supply sources are tapped out if necessary and possibly without notice.

The heat wave has already taken a hold of the United States causing 164 deaths in California and forcing New York City to turn off their famed necklace of lights that line the city's East River bridges to save power.

Everyone can all help reduce demand on the power supply by diminishing use of electricity by doing one or a number of the following:

- If it doesn’t interfere with the health or safety of the occupants, raise the setting on, or turn off, room and central air conditioners. Where possible, use fans: air that is circulating, even warm air, is more comfortable than still air.

- Avoid using appliances such as dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers until the evening hours, when the temperature begins to drop.

- If possible, avoid preparing hot meals in the kitchen during the day. Cooking adds heat to the house, which increases the discomfort level and makes air conditioners work harder.

- Close curtains, drapes or blinds during the day to reduce heat build-up.

- Use lighting sparingly. Bulbs, particularly incandescent bulbs, produce heat.