With Cambridge having already experienced extremely high temperatures this summer and with more on the way next week, Grandbridge Energy says they’re ready for any impact heat waves may have on the electrical grid.
Grandbridge had a total system peak demand of 537MW on July 5, which was the highest so far this year and an amount the company doesn't typically see until August.
But even with the increase, it's a manageable situation says VP of Distribution System Operations Dmitriy Lisovskiy.
“The GrandBridge Energy distribution grid hasn't experienced any issues due to hot weather,” Lisovskiy said.
“Grid operators are effectively managing the electrical demand on our system. The electrical distribution system continues to operate safely and efficiently.”
It starts with proactive measures that take place throughout the year to ensure the lights stay on, Lisovskiy says.
Infrastructure maintenance of electrical assets, tree trimming, load management, 24/7 grid monitoring and control, and communication with customers about planned outages are all part of the company’s process.
“Our system control operators actively monitor grid performance and leverage a suite of technology tools to ensure we continue to deliver an uninterrupted flow of electricity to our customers during hot summer weather,” Lisovskiy said.
“We leverage the strength of our team, meteorological data and technology to help anticipate weather-related challenges in advance. The electrical grid is supplied from seven large transformer stations and is made up of multiple lines that deliver power to our customers.”
In the event of an unexpected outage, a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan is put into action that has established protocols for restoring power, mobilizing field crews and communicating with affected customers.
While there’s no immediate concern for the grid, Lisovskiy says there are ways residents can practice energy conservation to help ease the pressure that can be created by warmer weather.
Something as simple as raising the thermostat a few degrees, taking advantage of cooler mornings through natural ventilation and using programmable thermostats are all things to consider.
Not only will these steps help make a difference in energy consumption, but it can also reduce a home’s energy bill.
Should an outage occur, Grandbridge has tips to keep temperatures down and conserve energy. Everything from closing the curtains to keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors closed can help.
“Safety is always GrandBridge's top priority when restoring power,” Lisovskiy said.
“We encourage all customers to plan ahead for a potential power outage by preparing an emergency kit and making sure everyone in the family knows where it's located. Your kit should include enough supplies to last 72 hours.”
To view Cambridge’s outage map visit outages.energyplus.ca.
