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As the Okanagan simmers under a late-August heat wave, BC Hydro is predicting electricity demand to reach record-breaking highs.
The power utility says increasing temperatures have resulted in a “significant increase in overall electricity use,” and that usage will likely reach new heights this evening during peak demand hours.
On Thursday, they recorded the highest peak hourly demand of the summer at 7,320 megawatts, and are anticipating Friday's peak hourly load to be even higher, coming in at 7,580 megawatts.
That will break the previous summer record set on Aug. 11, 2014 of 7,468 megawatts.
Mora Scott, a BC Hydro representative, says during a heat wave, BC Hydro typically sees a spike in peak electricity demand as customers turn on fans and air conditioners to stay cool and refrigerators kick into high gear.
But Scott has a few tips for Okanagan residents looking to cushion the financial blow of the region’s stretch of mid-thirties temperatures:
-Keep the blinds down: shade windows and block up to 65 per cent of the heat.
-Use a ceiling fan: ceiling fans are the most efficient option for cooling. Ensure the fan is rotating counter-clockwise.
-Keep the clothes dryer off: hang laundry to dry to keep unnecessary heat out of your house.
-Cook outside: use the barbeque to reduce the use of your stove or oven.
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