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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 4, 2006 - 5 Hot weather sees hydro hit a high By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It should be obvious to anyone who went outside Tuesday that it was the hottest day of the year so far. It should also come as no surprise then that Oakville Hydro reported record power consumption for 2006. "We have not hit our historical peaks. However, this is purely as a result of PetroCanada shutting down their refining process," said Oakville Hydro President and CEO Alex Bystrin. "If you adjust the numbers for that, we are in the peak consumption territory for sure." On Tuesday, explained Oakville Hydro Director of Operations Bruce Evans, the local utility reached the highest peak of the year at 3:30 p.m. with approximately 418 megawatts (MW) of power consumption. "Last year we recorded a couple of days where we approached 400 megs or slightly exceeded. On a typical day in the summer our average customer consumption would be in the neighborhood of 360 megs," said Evans. "Our annual load for this time of year has increased by about 20 to 25 megs per year for the past several years due to increased air conditioning load as the result of the construction of new homes and businesses." Evans went on to say that Paul Murphy. "Ontario's generOakville's power system suf- ators and transmitters perfered only minor glitches, formed exceptionally well and despite the heat and level of we worked with neighbouring consumption. jurisdictions to "We have experi- "If you adjust the coordinate relienced a few minor numbers...we are able operation problems due to in the peak conthroughout the transformer and region. We would underground cable sumption also like to thank failure recently. territory for those consumers However, they may sure." who were able to or may not be a respond to our result of increased Alex Bystrin, request to curtail load coupled with Oakville Hydro CEO their use of elecextreme temperatricity." tures," said Evans. "Our annual That said, the IESO extended maintenance programs and the power warning issued capital expenditures keep our Tuesday until 8 p.m. grid system in good shape to Wednesday, asking consumers ensure reliability to the cus- to reduce their use of electricity tomers of Oakville Hydro." in order to alleviate the To put usage numbers in increased strain on Ontario's perspective, 10 100-watt light- electricity system. bulbs equal a single kilowatt of Power warnings are issued power consumption. Multiply by the IESO during periods of this by 10,000 and the con- high demand for electricity, sumption is one million watts, when supplies of reserve power or one megawatt. are low. Any further reduction According to Ontario's in transmission or generation Independent Electricity System availability or any increase in Operator (IESO), Ontario set a demand could create shortfalls new all-time record for electric- of electricity. If all sources of ity demand of 27,005 MW at 5 supply are exhausted, the IESO p.m. Tuesday, exceeding the will take protective actions such previous record of 26,160 MW as a system voltage reduction, set on July 13, 2005. or rotating power cuts, if neces"Today's events clearly See Everyone page 7 demonstrated how all parts of the system work closely togeth For tips on how to keep er to ensure reliability," said cool see Chill page 11. IESO Chief Operating Officer SABRINA BYRNES / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER IS IT COOL YET?: Alyssa Delfino, 5, cools off from the heat at the splash pad in Coronation Park.The Town of Oakville has extended splash pad hours to 9 p.m. and some swimming pool hours until 11 p.m. OAKVILLE, COME TRY OUR... Sizzling New Prime Time Menu AVAILABLE FROM 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. DAILY Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival presents BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS With special guest LARRY CORYELL The legendary Brian Auger's Oblivion Express featuring the famed B3 and keyboard player, has created a distinct voice that combines jazz, rock, soul and funk. Brian has accumulated a Grammy nomination, 10 albums charting in the top 100, a #1 single and the title of "The Godfather of Acid Jazz". Add in legendary guitar player, Larry Coryell who has recorded on more then 70 albums, hailed by his legion of fans as one of "the guitar gods" and dubbed "The Godfather of Fusion", these special nights will see sparks fly as two masters perform individually and together for the first time in thirty years! For tickets call 905-815-2021 or order on-line at www.oakvillecentre.ca. For more information, please visit www.oakvillejazz.com Choose a crisp mixed green salad, a sizzling prime steak, salmon or chicken, garlic mashed potatoes or a signature vegetable and dessert. ALL FOR $54 NOT INCLUDING TAX AND GRATUITY MISSISSAUGA...only a 20 minute drive from Oakville MISSISSAUGA: 905-897-8555 77 City Centre Drive Hurontario & Burnhamthorpe Rd TORONTO: 416-955-1455 Richmond & University Toronto Hilton Hotel TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Wednesday, August 9th & Thursday, August 10th at 8:00 pm at The Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts · 905-815-2021 www.ruthschris.ca