CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/09/12 -- The Alberta Electric System Operator is asking all Albertans to voluntarily reduce their use of electricity until 6 p.m. this evening.

Higher than average temperatures have pushed the demand for electricity in Alberta to record highs and some generation is unable to supply energy to the grid. The hot and humid weather has increased demand for electricity primarily due to the higher use of air conditioning and irrigation systems.

Albertans can voluntarily reduce their electricity usage by:

--  Turning off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances; 
--  Minimizing the use of air conditioning by closing blinds, shades or
    drapes during the hottest part of the day; and, 
--  Avoiding the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers
    and washers and dryers during the energy conservation period.

As an independent system operator, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) leads the safe, reliable and economic operation and planning of Alberta's interconnected power system. The AESO also facilitates Alberta's hourly wholesale electricity market, which in 2011 had about 164 participants and $8 billion in annual energy transactions.