Alberta’s Emergency Alert Shows the Potential of Voluntary Energy Conservation, Expert Says

Canada is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the snowy mountains of Alberta to the reflective waters of Ontario. But behind these picturesque scenes, there is a quiet revolution brewing in the way Canadians consume energy.

In recent years, Canada has adopted a 'turn it off' approach to energy conservation, which involves reducing electricity demand by switching off unnecessary appliances and devices.

This simple but effective strategy could have significant benefits for Canada and the planet, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers energy costs, and fosters a culture of sustainability.

The Power of Turning Off

The 'turn it off' approach to energy conservation was put to the test in January 2024, when Alberta faced an extreme cold snap that put immense strain on the power grid.

To avoid rolling blackouts, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency issued an alert to all Albertans, asking them to turn off any non-essential electricity and use only the essentials.

The response was remarkable: within minutes of the alert, demand on the power grid dropped by 150 megawatts and continued to fall.

This prevented any power outages and showed how Albertans were willing to change their behaviour when asked.

The experience of turning off also had some positive side effects for some Albertans, who enjoyed a more peaceful and cozy night.

As one Reddit user posted, "Our kids made a game out of it. Showered with a candle in the bathroom, we had one small light to read books, ALL the lights off in and outside the house, no TV obviously."

Another user commented, "It looks like the alert does work."

A Shift to Conscious Consumption

The 'turn it off' approach is not only a response to emergencies, but also a proactive way to conserve energy and reduce environmental impact.

According to Statistics Canada, the country is one of the world's largest per-capita consumers of energy, even taking into account the energy required for heating and power in a large northern country.

However, Canada is also committed to transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biofuels.

To support this transition, Canada has implemented a number of policy measures, such as a carbon-pricing system, a clean fuels standard, a phase-out of coal-fired electricity by 2030, and energy efficiency programs.

Nevertheless, switching to cleaner energy sources is not enough to address the climate crisis. Canada also needs to reduce its overall energy consumption, which is where the 'turn it off' approach comes in.

By turning off appliances and devices that are not needed, Canadians can save energy, money, and emissions.

According to Natural Resources Canada, the average Canadian household spends about $2,000 per year on electricity, and about 60% of that electricity is used for appliances and electronics.

By turning off these devices when not in use, Canadians could save up to $120 per year on their electricity bills, and reduce their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes.

Moreover, Canadians can also foster a culture of conscious consumption, where they are more aware of the environmental and social impacts of their energy choices.

Furthermore, Canadians can show solidarity with the billion people around the world who lack access to electricity, and who are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change by turning off.