It's not surprising B.C.'s electricity use increased this week, as the province experiences its first cold snap of the season.
B.C. Hydro says demand went up by an average of 13 per cent on Feb. 3 and 4, compared to the same days last week.
The Crown corporation is preparing for near-record breaking loads, according to a press release.
"B.C. Hydro is forecasting peak hourly demands in the range of 9,600 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts. The highest hourly peak demand was recorded on Jan. 3, 2017 when consumption reached 10,194 megawatts," reads the release.
The company says the highest demand for electricity during the winter months is between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekdays.
B.C. Hydro has some tips to offset additional heating requirements:
- Keeping the thermostat at the ideal temperature: The thermostat should be set at 16 C when away from home or sleeping, 18 C when cooking or doing housework and 21 C when relaxing at home.
- Installing draftproofing: Gaps and cracks around doors and windows let cold air into the home and warm air out. Draftproofing can reduce heat loss by up to 10 per cent.
- Closing curtains, blinds and drapes. This can provide an extra level of insulation to reduce cold drafts from entering the home through windows.
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