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Hot weather fuels spike in B.C. electricity use

On Thursday, B.C. Hydro recorded the highest peak hourly demand of the summer at 7,320 megawatts
Central air conditioner
Air conditioners are adding to electricity use across the province.

B.C. Hydro expects provincewide electricity demand to reach record breaking highs for summer peak hourly demand Friday evening.

Increasing temperatures have resulted in a significant increase in overall electricity use.

"On Thursday, B.C. Hydro recorded the highest peak hourly demand – the hour customers use the most electricity – of the summer at 7,320 megawatts," states the Crown corporation.

"B.C. Hydro is anticipating Friday's peak hourly load to be even higher at 7,580 megawatts – breaking the previous summer record set on Aug. 11, 2014 of 7,468 megawatts. Typically, during a heat wave, B.C. Hydro sees a spike in peak electricity demand as customers turn on fans and air conditioners to stay cool and refrigeration units work harder."

There are a number of ways British Columbians can save money during the heat wave.

  • Keep the blinds down: shade windows and block up to 65 per cent of the heat.
  • Use a ceiling fan: ceiling fans are the most efficient option for cooling. Ensure the fan is rotating counter-clockwise.
  • Keep the clothes dryer off: hang laundry to dry to keep unnecessary heat out of your house.
  • Cook outside: use the barbeque to reduce the use of your stove or oven.