SaskPower urging customers to save power during heat wave

The heat wave that has gripped Saskatchewan is expected to result in record demand for electricity.

As a result, SaskPower is asking customers to conserve power.

“Extreme heat creates more demand for power, but it also reduces fuel efficiency and limits our ability to generate power,” Kory Hayko, SaskPower’s vice-president of transmission and industrial services, said in a news release.

“Running your air conditioner even one degree warmer will help to reduce strain on the grid, and it will save on your power bills.”

The power utility has a few tips for customers to reduce consumption:

• Set air conditioning to a higher temperature, turn it off when nobody is home, program thermostats to cool the home only when needed
• Close the blinds and window coverings during the day to keep the heat out
• Put off activities that produce heat and moisture, like dishwashing. Wait until the evening when temperatures are cooler
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.