With temperatures showing no signs of cooling down, BC Hydro is predicting that the province-wide electricity consumption for the month of June will be hitting an all time high.
On Monday, June 18th, the company recorded nearly 7,300 megawatts of power use during peak hours, which is 10% more than the previous Monday.
“BC Hydro is forecasting its peak load to be between 7,000 and 7,500 megawatts over the next few days,” BC Hydro said in a statement.
“The increase in electricity use is attributed to customers turning on fans and air conditioners, and refrigeration units working harder to stay cool.”
The company also issued a few tips to help cut you down on energy costs in the mean time:
- Close the drapes and blinds: shading windows can block out up to 65 per cent of the heat.
- Position a fan by a window or door in the evening when temperatures are cooler to direct the cool air in.
- Ceiling fans are the most efficient option for cooling. Ensure the fan is rotating counter-clockwise to help direct the cool air down.
- Avoiding using a dryer will keep unnecessary heat out the house – hang up your laundry instead.
- Opt for smaller appliances or take the cooking outside: use a microwave, crockpot, toaster oven or barbeque to avoid the extra heat produced by the stove or oven.
Good luck, and stay cool!
