As Alberta experiences hotter summers and increased use of air conditioning, the province is now seeing electricity demand spike both in winter and summer. In 2024, summer demand nearly matched the winter peak, a first for the province.

Grid Under Pressure
 With summer demand up 5% from 2023, Alberta’s energy grid must expand. Economist Joel MacDonald says the system now requires more power plants to manage two high-demand seasons.

Air Conditioning Now a Hot Commodity
 Realtors note that homebuyers increasingly see air conditioning as a must-have. Homes with A/C can command higher prices, showing how the hot summers are reshaping the real estate market.

Higher Prices Ahead?
 Electricity spot prices may surge during both winter and summer peaks. Floating-rate customers could face steep costs unless they switch to fixed-rate plans. Some rates could triple during peak hours.

System Adjustments Coming
 To manage demand, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has added over 1,700 megawatts of gas-fired generation. AESO believes this will be enough for summer 2025, though long-term growth means continuous upgrades are necessary.

Advice for Consumers
 MacDonald advises locking in fixed-rate electricity contracts for stability. Many Albertans are doing just that, using comparison tools to find the lowest cost and flexibility to switch with 30 days' notice.