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UTILITY NEWS BRIEFS
IMO Declares Power Warning As Record Cold Weather Strains System
Ontario's Independent Electricity Market Operator (IMO) has declared a Power Warning as record cold weather and high electricity demand, combined with short-term generation and transmission system limitations, have put a strain on power supplies. Consumers and industries are being asked to immediately reduce their electricity consumption.
Power Warnings are issued by the IMO during periods of high demand for electricity, when supplies of reserve power are low. Any further reduction in transmission or generation availability or any increase in demand could create shortfalls of electricity. If all sources of supply are exhausted, the IMO will take protective actions such as a system voltage reduction, or rotating cuts to supply. In these circumstances, no additional public notice may be possible.
Consumers and businesses can reduce the demands on the electricity system by immediately:
- Turning off all but essential internal and external lights
- Limiting use of electrical appliances and space heaters, especially through the peak hours of 4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
The IMO is responsible for operating and regulating Ontario's wholesale electricity system and the wholesale electricity marketplace - linking buyers and sellers while directing the flow of electricity on Ontario's transmission system from generators and suppliers to local distribution companies and wholesale buyers.
Falling Power Prices Cuts ENMAX Profit By More Than A Third in 2002
Falling power prices cut annual profits by more than a third at Enmax Corp., the electricity and natural gas distributor for the city of Calgary.
Enmax reported Friday it earned net profits of $166.6 million in 2002, down from $249.6 million the previous year. Fourth-quarter profits increased to $32.9 million from $30.9 million the previous year.
But that increase reflected an $11-million gain from a settlement linked to the early decommissioning of a generating plant with which Enmax had a power purchase deal.
The yearly profit drop was caused by a drop in power prices. In 2002, Alberta electricity prices fell to an average of $44 per megawatt hour, from $72 in 2001.
"Our 2002 net earnings exceeded budget by over $35 million, showing that even when market prices for electricity are relatively low, Enmax can deliver strong returns," Bob Nicolay, president and chief executive, said in a release.
"We steadily increased sales volumes, improved service levels and reduced debt to position the company for continued profits and growth."
Enmax, a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary, provides electricity, natural gas and value-added services to more than 400,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Alberta through its operating companies. ET
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