NB Power asks consumers to cut usage

NB Power conservation advisory urges customers to cut usage during peak demand as extreme cold and wind chill grip New Brunswick, aiding load management with energy-saving tips from 6-8 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.

NB Power is asking people to reduce their electricity usage over the next few days as the province struggles through a cold snap.

The province's electricity corporation issued the voluntary request to limit power consumption because of a combination of cold weather and the utility's diminished power generating capacity, and amid major fiscal losses the company is addressing.

Environment Canada has issued severe weather warnings to many communities in New Brunswick as extreme wind chills hit -38 C on January 24, and ice halted a wind farm earlier in the week.

Kathleen Duguay, a NB Power spokesperson, said the utility is asking people to reassess their electricity use so long as the freezing temperatures continue, while a separate rate freeze proposal is under review.

"It's certainly an approach we will be re-evaluating and perhaps putting back in place if need be," Duguay said.

NB Power is asking consumers to monitor their power use during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The utility is suggesting people turn down the heat by two degrees in all rooms, limit lighting to what is necessary, limit hot water use and avoid using dishwashers or dryers.

Duguay said the company has purchasing agreement contracts in place, should there be a need to import power in the future, and it has sought approval for a new U.S. line to strengthen interconnections.

NB Power's challenge to provide power during the frigid snap is being made more difficult because the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is still being refurbished and the Grand Lake Generating Station is no longer operating, even though wind generation tripled last year across the system.

NB Power's total generating capacity is 3,959 MW but it is down to 3,272 MW with the Point Lepreau and Grand Lake facilities no longer producing power.

Duguay said the utility is meeting power needs and is making the request to its customers only as a precaution.

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