The first major heat event of the year in B.C. and around Metro Vancouver has caused electricity usage to soar to levels never seen in May.
BC Hydro says that the unusually hot weather has pushed demand to around 7,600 megawatts, the highest levels seen in May, “especially this early in the month.”
BC Hydro says it’s thanks to folks turning on their air conditioners and fans to stay cool.
The utility is using the opportunity to remind residents that it is offering limited-time rebates on energy-efficient cooling and air-quality equipment.
Hourly demand peaked on Monday, meaning that’s the day when customers were using the most electricity.
“While electricity demand will remain above average until temperatures cool on Wednesday, BC Hydro’s clean electricity system is fully equipped to meet the increased demand,” BC Hydro said, adding that even with this surge of usage, overall use is below peak levels that we see during the coldest periods in winter.
For residents who are sick of the heat, temperatures are expected to get a little bit cooler over the next few days, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s most up-to-date weather forecast.
In the Metro Vancouver area, we’re moving from inland temperatures of around 30°C to closer to 22°C. The high for the next seven days is 20°C.
ECCC
BC Hydro says that around 70 per cent of households now have some form of air conditioning, which is a sharp increase in recent years, as summers in the region are becoming much hotter.
A turning point for many was likely the deadly heat dome, which led to many lives being lost.
For those who don’t have air conditioning units, the BC Hydro rebates can save you $50 off select ENERGY STAR window air conditioners and high-efficiency portable units.
You can find more information on the BC Hydro website.