As temperatures around B.C. soared well above 35 C this past week, FortisBC’s electricity system also saw a spike.
FortisBC's experienced its highest energy load at 714 megawatts (MW) on Tuesday, July 9.
That number was 280 MW higher than an average summer day–with electricity demand at 434 MW on July 1.
“While we didn’t hit a record on Tuesday, we sure hit a spike,” said Nicole Brown with FortisBC.
The summer record for FortisBC occurred during the 2021 heat dome, at 764 MW on June 29, 2021.
“As the hot weather conditions are expected to continue through the weekend and into next week, we anticipate continued high loads on our system and want to remind customers they can stay safe, using less energy, by looking at our energy saving tips,” said Brown.
How to stay cool as efficiently as possible:
- Aim to be comfortable, not chilly. The recommended temperature is between 25 and 27°C.
- Draft proof around windows, doors and other openings to minimize conditioned air escaping your home.
- Set your cooling system’s thermostat two degrees higher than usual and use ceiling fans to circulate the cool air. This can reduce your air conditioning costs by 14 per cent.
- Combine air conditioners with a portable fan to maximize their cooling power and reduce the energy used. Do not use a fan alone if the temperature in your home is 35°C or higher.
- Cool only the rooms that you’re using.
- Close blinds and windows during the day to minimize solar heat gain. Open them when the outside temperature cools to help air out your home.
- Plan meals that don’t heat the kitchen—opt to barbecue outside or explore no-cook recipes that don’t require using the stove or oven.
- Customers with incomes under specific thresholds can order a free Energy Saving Kit, which has materials to help keep conditioned air inside their homes. They can also get hands-on help installing similar products through the Energy Conservation Assistance Program.
