McMaster asked to reduce electricity usage today

With the current wave of heat and humidity straining Ontario's electricity system, the Independent Electricity System Operator is asking customers to reduce their use of electricity as hot weather puts a strain on Ontario's electricity system. McMaster urges everyone in the University community to do what they can to reduce usage of electricity both at work and at home.

“We expect to see demand reach near record levels today,” said Derek Cowbourne, chief operating officer for the IESO. “Overall, Ontario's transmission system and generators are operating well. But as a precautionary measure, we're asking consumers to reduce demand to help ensure the continued reliable supply of electricity.”

Consumers and businesses are being asked to reduce their electricity consumption, where possible, from noon until 8 p.m. today.

Demand can be reduced by:

Turning off all but essential internal and external lights;

Setting air conditioners to 26 C (78 F) or higher, or using fans as an alternative;

Closing curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside; and

Limiting the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers, dryers and swimming pool pumps.

Republish this Article for Free

Republish this Article

We believe in the free flow of information. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivs 2.5 Canada (CC BY-ND 2.5 CA), so you can republish our articles for free, online or in print.

All republished articles must be attributed in the following way and contain links to both the site and original article: “This article was first published on Daily News. Read the original article.”

With the current wave of heat and humidity straining Ontario&#039;s electricity system,  the Independent Electricity System Operator  is asking customers to reduce their use of electricity as hot weather puts a strain on Ontario&#039;s electricity system.  McMaster urges everyone in the University community to do what they can to reduce usage of electricity both at work and at home.<br />
<br />
<p>"We expect to see demand reach near record levels today," said Derek Cowbourne, chief operating officer for the IESO. "Overall, Ontario&#039;s transmission system and generators are operating well.  But as a precautionary measure, we&#039;re asking consumers to reduce demand to help ensure the continued reliable supply of electricity."<br />
<br />
<p>Consumers and businesses are being asked to reduce their electricity consumption, where possible, from noon until 8 p.m. today.<br />
 <br />
<p>Demand can be reduced by: <br />
<br />
<p><li>Turning off all but essential internal and external lights;<br />
<br />
<p><li>Setting air conditioners to 26 C (78 F) or higher, or using fans as an alternative;<br />
<br />
<p><li>Closing curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside; and<br />
<br />
<p><li>Limiting the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers, dryers and swimming pool pumps.

Media Enquiries

Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24073
Email: comms@mcmaster.ca

The Communications and Public Affairs Office is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The University has a broadcast quality television studio to facilitate live and pre-recorded interviews with media. Learn more about our experts.