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BC Hydro preparing for near record-breaking electricity consumption due to freezing temperatures

When it gets this cold, its no surprise that residents are turning their heaters up.

According to a report from BC Hydro, the first cold snap of the year lead the province's peak electricity demand to increase by an average of 13% on February 3rd and 4th compared to the same days last year.

<who> Photo Credit: File Photo

With the colder than normal temperatures on the way, the demand for electricity is expected to remain high this week and BC-Hydro is preparing for record-breaking loads.

Hydro is forecasting peak hourly demands of 9,600 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts. The highest ever hourly peak demand was recorded last January when consumption reached 10,194 megawatts.

The highest demand for electricity is expected to come between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekday evenings. This is when British Columbians come home, turn up the heat and cook dinner.

To offset additional heating requirements Hydro recommends the following:

  • Keep the thermostat at an ideal temperature: The thermostat should be between 16 and 18°C when cooking and 21°C while relaxing.
  • Install draftproofing: Gaps and cracks around doors and windows let cold air into the home and warm air out. Draftproofing can reduce heat loss by up to 10%.
  • Close curtains, drapes and blinds: This can provide an extra level of insulation to reduce cold drafts from entering the home through windows.

For more energy saving tips, click here.



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Fri
3℃

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Sat
9℃

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14℃

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Mon
11℃

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Tue
11℃

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Wed
6℃

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