July 09, 2012 - 6:44 PM
EDMONTON - Electric utilities across Alberta say they've instituted rotating blackouts to deal with increased demand caused by high temperatures.
Tim LeRiche, a spokesman Epcor Power which provides electricity for Edmonton, says the agency that oversees electricity distribution in the province has issued a directive for utilities to reduce consumption.
LeRiche says the blackouts in Edmonton have already started and he has no idea how long they'll continue.
Calgary and Lethbridge have also instituted rolling blackouts.
No one with the Alberta Electric System Operator could be reached for comment.
A news release issued by the agency on Monday afternoon urges Albertans to conserve power, and says that there is difficulty dealing with enough power to supply the grid.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012