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.