I can’t fully express my disappointment as an Albertan right now.
Last night, at approximately 6:45 PM, an emergency alert was issued by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). This alert asked residents to conserve power as there is additional strain on the power grid due to the extreme cold conditions we are currently experiencing.
This request seems straightforward.
The emergency alert asked that to help reduce energy consumption, Albertans should turn off lights and avoid using block heaters for their cars and space heaters and ovens (among other items) in their homes. If not, this may result in a “high risk of rotating power outages.” Now, on its own, this is a fair request. These items do have a fair draw on the grid. I shouldn’t have to point out that some of these items are necessary to keep us going through the cold, but for some, they can make do without in the short term.
This, I can do.
Where I have a problem is when the request is made of residents. At the same time, most downtown cores in Alberta, especially Edmonton and Calgary, are still lit up like a Christmas tree. In fact, the RMWB Christmas tree was shining quite brightly in the freezing fog as late as two hours after the alert. And thank goodness I can see the Rogers logo at Rogers Place and the multicoloured lights of Calgary Tower! All those empty office buildings and corporate headquarters with their lights still on. Those will undoubtedly warm my spirit while I huddle in a frigid corner of my own home, contemplating the extra money I have to fork over for a new car battery.
I’m all for doing my part in an emergency situation or crisis. I’ve lived through enough of them. But if Albertans are asked to share the workload, that should apply to everybody. EVERYBODY. Not just the poor sap trying to make a Mac & Cheese dinner in a microwave who can’t afford a wood-burning stove.
And as for the graph the government so proudly posted as a result of their call to action, yes, the alert certainly impacted the draw from the grid. There’s no question about that. But putting out notice at 6:45 PM when most people are finishing, or are already finished, cooking with their ovens may not be the cause for celebration you think it is.
Agree or disagree. That’s up to you. I mean no disrespect to AEMA or anybody who works in emergency management. Their jobs are hard enough under the best of circumstances. But I seriously have to ask where the bounds of responsibility end. Who’s accountable? Are we not all Albertans? Or are some more than others?
I will always do my fair share in difficult times. More if I can. I know many of us do.
The real question is, will they?
The CJBuzz 