January 15, 2024
Due to impacts from the extreme weather, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has issued alerts asking Albertans to limit electricity use to essential needs only. While alerts have ended at this time, electricity demand is still high. Limiting power use could avoid the need for potential rotating power outages across the province as extreme weather continues. The City of Edmonton is doing our part to conserve energy where we can, while still maintaining essential services.
City actions to reduce electricity consumption
- Decorative lights on Walterdale Bridge and High Level Bridge were turned off as of Sunday night, and will remain off while the cold weather continues.
- Lights at Commonwealth Stadium, Sir Winston Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza will also be turned off.
- Muttart Conservatory will change to white lights which are required for safety reasons.
- Regular energy savings practices are in place, such as the centralized control of lighting and heat systems where available.
- Efforts will be made to minimize electricity demand where feasible, through actions like closing large overhead doors and shifting charging activities to off-peak hours.
- We are reducing electricity use wherever possible in City facilities and continue to work to identify potential further actions to reduce power consumption.
In addition, the City of Edmonton is responding to service delivery challenges due to severe weather.
Snow clearing
Snow clearing of Priority 1 roadways is complete. Snow clearing of Priority 2 and 3 routes will continue as long as temperatures remain above -40 (including the windchill). Crews continue to apply a mix of sand and rock chips to roadways and active pathways. The
Roadways Snow Clearing Map displays active vehicles and current clearing status. Residents can report any dangerous conditions to 311 for crews to assess.
Extreme weather response
The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response due to the extreme cold. The activation remains in effect until Thursday, January 18, at noon, but may be extended if conditions persist. More information is available at
edmonton.ca/extremeweather.
Edmonton as a winter city
The City of Edmonton is proud to be a winter city. We encourage Edmontonians to dress appropriately for the cold weather, continue to look out for one another, connect with community for support and celebrate the best of being the northernmost city in North America with more than a million people.
