Grid systems under stressIt's when a grid system is under stress that planners finally notice. BC was mentioned earlier with drought conditions and large demand forcing BC Hydro to do a power call for greenfield renewable projects.
In Alberta, a cold snap had the system draining the reserves also. With both provinces, importing electricity was the only option left. But as time goes, even those who have excess power now, will come under their own stresses on the grid. So less to export.
Even Northland's solar projects in Alberta will help in the long term. A lot of planning and development for years to come, by all provinces regarding renewable energy. Windpower projects will be in the news for decades.
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Alberta's energy grid had as little as 10 megawatts in reserve power at one point on Saturday night, per the AESO supply demand report. AESO's supply demand report indicated Alberta was receiving 239 MW from B.C., Saskatchewan and Montana on Saturday night. (CBC News)