Increased Power Demand

B-C Hydro says the first frigid temperatures of the year led the province’s peak electricity demand to increase by an average of 13 per cent on Sunday and Monday compared to the same days last week. Colder than normal temperatures are expected over the coming days and the utility says demand is expected to remain high and it’s preparing for near-record breaking loads. B-C Hydro records the highest demand for electricity between 4 and 8 p-m on weekday evenings in the winter months, when residents come home, turn up the heat, switch on the lights and make dinner. It’s recommending residents keep the thermostat at 16 degrees Celsius when away from home or sleeping, 18 degrees when cooking or doing housework and 21 degrees when relaxing at home.