Summerside Launches Initiative to Reduce Winter Power Demand

The City of Summerside has initiated a campaign aimed at reducing electricity consumption during peak hours throughout the cold winter months. The “Beat the Peak” public awareness initiative will run until March 2025 and seeks to alleviate pressure on the city’s power grid by encouraging residents to adjust their energy usage during high-demand times.

Greg Gaudet, the city’s director of municipal services, noted that electricity demand peaks during two key timeframes: weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 16:00 to 20:00 p.m. These periods coincide with high household energy usage for heating, hot water, and various appliances. Gaudet emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We would really like for people to be mindful of when those demand times are and maybe do their part.”

As winter temperatures drop, the demand for heating increases, putting significant strain on the power grid in Prince Edward Island. Maritime Electric has indicated that it may need to implement rolling outages if the demand exceeds supply. The city’s electrical utility is proactively preparing for such scenarios.

Summerside Electric generates approximately 60 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, including solar and wind. However, it still relies on the transmission system of Maritime Electric, which sources additional power from New Brunswick Power. As the grid faces increased pressure, Summerside is taking steps to manage electricity consumption and ensure reliability.

Residents participating in the “Beat the Peak” campaign can help reduce strain on the electrical system while potentially lowering their electricity bills. Gaudet pointed out that residential buildings typically experience the highest demand, while business usage varies. He encouraged small adjustments, noting, “Every little bit helps the system.”

Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and Gaudet reassured residents that even minor changes can make a significant difference. “If you can, that’s great. If you can’t, that’s okay too,” he said. “It’s all basically personal behavior on what they feel they can do.”

To illustrate the campaign’s goals, Gaudet suggested practical measures such as lowering thermostats by a few degrees during peak hours. “Maybe put on a hoodie or have a blanket for a couple of hours and then turn it back up when the timing’s over,” he advised. Such simple actions can contribute to energy savings and less strain on the electrical infrastructure.

As Summerside navigates the complexities of energy management during the winter months, the “Beat the Peak” campaign represents a proactive approach to ensuring the community’s energy needs are met while fostering a culture of conservation among residents. The initiative underscores the importance of collective effort in addressing energy challenges and maintaining a reliable power supply throughout the colder months.