BC Hydro still offering limited-time AC rebates as electricity use breaks records
B.C.’s hot weather hasn’t just smashed heat records across the province this week; it’s also resulted in record-breaking electricity demand, according to an operational update from BC Hydro.
On Wednesday, the Lower Mainland cities that hit all-time highs (since records have been kept included West Vancouver (32.3°C), Pitt Meadows (35.9°C), and Abbotsford (35.4°C). In Vancouver, temperatures hit 27°C.
“BC Hydro set another new all-time summer peak electricity demand record on Wednesday, breaking the all-time high established the previous day as hot weather drove air conditioning use across the province,” reads the update from the utility corporation.
Preliminary data shows that the hour customers used the most power was between 5 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, reaching 8,870 megawatts.
This usage broke the record set the previous evening, Tuesday, July 21, of 8,715 megawatts used during the same time period.
“Tuesday’s record had exceeded the previous summer peak of 8,652 megawatts, which was set in August 2025,” they wrote.
BC Hydro said that its hydroelectric system has performed reliably even with this high demand and has “sufficient capacity available to meet customer needs.” It will keep monitoring system conditions closely throughout this hot weather period.
In May, some early heat also broke the record on BC Hydro electricity usage levels.
BC Hydro offers AC rebates
BC Hydro is also reminding the public that they are offering retail rebates on air conditioners and air purifiers until August 21, 2026.
People can get $50 off select ENERGY STAR® window air conditioners and high-efficiency portable air conditioners, and $30 off select ENERGY STAR® air purifiers.
You can find more information on these rebates online.
Environment and Climate Change Canada told Daily Hive that we can expect some cooler weather and even rain over the next few days.