MANITOBA’S ENERGY RUSH HOURS
Most of us know what rush hour feels like. The roads get busier, traffic slows down, and getting where you need to go takes a little more patience.
Our electricity system has busy times too.
In Manitoba, our “energy rush hour” happens on the coldest winter days. People wake up, turn on lights, turn up the heat, fire up the coffee pot and the toaster, and get ready for the day before starting their car they had plugged in all night.
We have a similar spike in energy use during our hot Manitoba summers. We crank up our air conditioners to stay cool, which leads to higher energy use.
During these energy rush hours, thousands of homes across the province are doing the same things at the same time. Moments when energy use across the province is at its highest are known as peak demand.
Understanding peak demand helps explain why shifting energy use during those busy periods, even by a little bit, can make a big difference for Manitoba’s electricity system. Making small, coordinated changes at the right time is becoming an important way to manage energy systems across Canada.
WHY PEAK DEMAND MATTERS
Even though peak demand periods only occur a few days a year, our electricity grid must be prepared to handle them. Managing these peak times helps keep the grid reliable, especially as Manitoba’s population grows and our energy needs continue to evolve.
Just like traffic on a busy road, peak demand is easier to manage when people make small adjustments. If you have the option to stay off the road during rush hour, that’s one less car adding to the congestion. When enough people shift their plans slightly, busy times become easier to navigate, and everyone gets where they need to go.
We can think of our energy grid in the same way. When enough people avoid energy use during a peak period, it can make a big difference. For instance, by adjusting your thermostat so your home uses a bit less during it, you can help make sure everyone has the power they need when they need it most.