B.C. Hydro is preparing for near record-breaking energy loads and is asking British Columbians to monitor their usage as colder temperatures increase demand.
A cold snap saw the province’s peak demand increase by 13 per cent on Feb. 3 and 4 compared to the same days the week prior.
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According to BC Hydro, the demand is expected to remain high as temperatures remain low. It forecasts peak hourly demands in the range of 9,600 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts – only slightly below the highest peak demand on record: 10,194 megawatts on Jan. 3, 2017.
To offset the additional heating requirements, BC Hydro recommends:
- Keeping the thermostat at the ideal temperature: The thermostat should be set at 16 degrees C when away from home or sleeping, 18 degrees C when cooking or doing housework and 21 degrees C when relaxing at home.
- Installing draftproofing: Gaps and cracks around doors and windows let cold air into the home and warm air out.
- Closing curtains, blinds and drapes, which provides an extra level of insulation.
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nina.grossman@blackpress.ca
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