Demand for electricity hit a seasonal high this winter as a mass of arctic air spread over Newfoundland and Labrador. Not only that, but winds were high and wind chills were extreme in most areas.

NL Hydro says the system, including the Labrador-Island link, performed well and at no time did the province’s prime manufacturer of electricity have to issue any special calls for conservation.

Rob Collett, VP Engineering, says they reached out to reduce industrial consumption demand this morning.

They worked with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper to temporarily reduce demand on the system to ensure reliability.

Peak use hit 1,730 MW around 8:00 am.

Collett says it’s always wise for customers to conserve, but there’s no reason to be uncomfortable.

There’s no reason to turn your heat back but Hydro has an alert system in place to notify customers when they should dial back.

Winds ease gradually today and temperatures begin to warm up, particularly in the overnight hours.